Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Tempe is 7% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,623/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 10%
$77,643/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 18%
$421,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 7%
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ≈ Same
186,419
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $13,769/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Tempe or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $13,769/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Elizabeth

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland