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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

San Diego is 76% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,223/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 34%
$104,321/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 39%
$848,500 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 54%
$2,308/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 33%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $40,447/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is San Diego or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Elizabeth?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $40,447/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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