Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Reno is 9% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,453/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ≈ Same
$78,448/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 19%
$498,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 21%
$1,482/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 4%
268,959
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,574/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Reno or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $14,574/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and New Jersey?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Elizabeth

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland