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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Sacramento is 18% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,694/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 14%
$83,753/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 24%
$484,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 19%
$1,752/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 12%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $19,879/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Sacramento or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $19,879/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland