Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.7% cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ. This translates to saving $202 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Elizabeth, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Elizabeth, NJ, you'd need approximately $147,578.755 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Elizabeth, NJ and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 39.6% more expensive than in Elizabeth, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $202 per month, or $2421 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elizabeth, NJ vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Elizabeth, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Elizabeth, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $202/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$202

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$501K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$414K

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Elizabeth, NJ vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Elizabeth, NJ	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,998/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $790more	39.6%
📦Other	$1,989/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $312less	15.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$963/mo	↓ $126less	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$589/mo	↓ $92.90less	13.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,569/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $80.47less	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$590/mo	$561/mo	↓ $29.03less	4.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 39.6%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$790

📦Other

↓ 15.7%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$312

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.6%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$126

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$92.90

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.1%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$80.47

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.9%

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$29.03

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,231

To$1,390

↑ $159

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,510

↑ $120

2 Bed

From$1,682

To$1,750

↑ $68.00

3 Bed

From$2,108

To$2,330

↑ $222

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$150

Difference

Home Values

Elizabeth

Phoenix

$501K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +55.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$495K - $565K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 17% less expensive than Elizabeth

Calculate payment - Elizabeth Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$183

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Elizabeth, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.