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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

San Jose is 127% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,617/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 44%
$141,565/yr ↑ 122%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 55%
$1,187,800 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 67%
$2,775/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 44%
990,054
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,154/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $13,848/year.

Median household income is $77,691/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is San Jose or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Elizabeth?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $1,154/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $77,691/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Elizabeth details →

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