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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Tacoma is 12% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,597/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 8%
$83,857/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 24%
$454,600 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 13%
$1,747/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 12%
220,482
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $19,983/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Tacoma or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $19,983/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland