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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

San Francisco is 138% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,419/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 40%
$141,446/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 55%
$1,380,500 ↑ 251%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 71%
$2,620/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 41%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $77,572/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is San Francisco or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Elizabeth?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $77,572/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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