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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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:
71
(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

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
more
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
more

🏠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 - BostonCalculate 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.

Environment

Boston
Elizabeth
36 Good
Air Quality
N/A
79.5%
Good Air Days
-
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌅🌀
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
15 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
15 days

What to Consider When Moving from Boston, MA to Elizabeth, NJ

Relocating from Boston, MA to Elizabeth, NJ involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 29% lower in Elizabeth, NJ, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Elizabeth, NJ is 62% cheaper than in Boston, MA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Elizabeth, NJ pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Elizabeth, NJ to match your current standard of living in Boston, MA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Elizabeth, NJ for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Boston, MA vs Elizabeth, NJ

Is Elizabeth, NJ cheaper than Boston, MA?

Yes, Elizabeth, NJ is about 28.8% cheaper than Boston, MA. You could save approximately $2,162/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 62% lower in Elizabeth, NJ.

What salary do I need in Elizabeth, NJ to match my lifestyle in Boston, MA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you would need approximately $124,059 in Elizabeth, NJ to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Boston, MA and Elizabeth, NJ?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ. One-bedroom apartments are $3,255/month in Boston, MA vs $1,390/month in Elizabeth, NJ. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Boston, MA or Elizabeth, NJ?

Grocery prices are very similar between Boston, MA and Elizabeth, NJ, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Boston, MA to Elizabeth, NJ?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Massachusetts and New Jersey on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Boston, MA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $3,121/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $3,121/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $3,020/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $2,970/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $2,970/mo

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