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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Sunnyvale is 204% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$3,065/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 52%
$181,862/yr ↑ 185%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 65%
$1,816,600 ↑ 362%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 78%
$3,016/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 49%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,602/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $19,224/year.

Median household income is $117,988/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $1,602/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $117,988/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Elizabeth details →

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