Santa Ana, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ: 163 vs 112

$1,975/mo ↑ 35%

Median Rent

$1,463/mo ↓ 26%

$88,354/yr ↑ 38%

Median Income

$63,874/yr ↓ 28%

$657,800 ↑ 67%

Home Value

$393,500 ↓ 40%

$1,965/mo ↑ 27%

Owner Costs

$1,543/mo ↓ 21%

311,639

Population

135,887

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $24,480/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Elizabeth?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $512/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Elizabeth?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $24,480/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Elizabeth?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Elizabeth

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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