Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Seattle is 75% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,998/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 27%
$121,984/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 48%
$912,100 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 57%
$2,220/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 30%
741,440
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $58,110/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Seattle or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $58,110/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Jersey?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Elizabeth details →

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