Is Elizabeth, NJ cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Elizabeth, NJ is 28.8% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2162 per month.

What salary do I need in Elizabeth, NJ to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $124,058.93 in Elizabeth, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Elizabeth, NJ?

Housing in Elizabeth, NJ is 62.1% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Elizabeth, NJ?

Moving from Boston, MA to Elizabeth, NJ could save you approximately $2162 per month, or $25941 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA vs Elizabeth, NJ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Elizabeth, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.1K in Elizabeth, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,162

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(29% below avg)

Median Home:$501K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Elizabeth, NJ

Category	Boston, MA	Elizabeth, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$1,998/mo	↓ $3,277less	62.1%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,569/mo	↓ $261less	14.3%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,989/mo	↑ $164more	9.0%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$590/mo	↓ $126less	17.5%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$682/mo	↓ $61.99less	8.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $10.03more	0.9%

Housing

↓ 62.1%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Difference

$3,277

less

Transportation

↓ 14.3%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Difference

$261

less

Other

↑ 9.0%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Difference

$164

All Utilities

↓ 17.5%

Boston, MA

$716

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Difference

$126

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.3%

Boston, MA

$743

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Difference

$61.99

less

Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Difference

$10.03

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,231

↓ $1,864

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,390

↓ $1,865

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,682

↓ $2,183

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,108

↓ $2,522

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$3,552

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Elizabeth

$961K

Median Value

$501K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.6%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$495K - $565K

Homes in Elizabeth are 48% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Elizabeth

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $69.50

Per year

Monthly Difference

$5.79

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Elizabeth, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Elizabeth, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.