Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Riverside is 29% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,812/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 19%
$88,575/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 28%
$542,100 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 27%
$1,880/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 18%
316,241
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $24,701/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Riverside or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $24,701/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Elizabeth

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland