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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Torrance is 95% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,214/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 34%
$113,105/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 44%
$1,036,600 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 62%
$2,295/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 33%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $49,231/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Torrance or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $49,231/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Elizabeth

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland