Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Springfield is 29% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 31%
$51,339/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 24%
$222,700 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 77%
$1,276/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 21%
154,751
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $12,535/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Springfield or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $12,535/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Jersey?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Elizabeth details →

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