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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Tucson is 32% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,079/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 36%
$54,546/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 17%
$242,200 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 62%
$1,076/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 43%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $9,328/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Tucson or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $9,328/year higher in Elizabeth.
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 Tucson or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Elizabeth details →

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