Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Washington is 53% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,900/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 23%
$106,287/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 40%
$724,600 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 46%
$2,103/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 27%
672,079
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $42,413/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Washington or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $42,413/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and New Jersey?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Elizabeth details →

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