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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Santa Clarita is 76% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,486/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 41%
$119,926/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 47%
$721,000 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 45%
$2,649/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 42%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,023/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $12,276/year.

Median household income is $56,052/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $1,023/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $56,052/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Elizabeth

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland