Is Elizabeth, NJ cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Elizabeth, NJ is 36.9% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $2765 per month.

What salary do I need in Elizabeth, NJ to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $116,814.17 in Elizabeth, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ?

Housing in Elizabeth, NJ is 73.9% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jersey City, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ?

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Elizabeth, NJ could save you approximately $2765 per month, or $33186 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ 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 Jersey City, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Elizabeth, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.8K in Elizabeth, NJ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 36.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,765

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.2K

Per year

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

Jersey City, NJ

Population:292K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$637K

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(37% below avg)

Median Home:$501K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 292K residents.

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: Jersey City, NJ vs Elizabeth, NJ

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Elizabeth, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,998/mo	↓ $5,650less	73.9%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,089/mo	↓ $75.90less	6.5%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,989/mo	↓ $44.88less	2.2%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,569/mo	↓ $32.91less	2.1%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$590/mo	↓ $9.76less	1.6%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$682/mo	↓ $6.23less	0.9%

Housing

↓ 73.9%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Difference

$5,650

less

Groceries

↓ 6.5%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Difference

$75.90

less

Other

↓ 2.2%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Difference

$44.88

less

Transportation

↓ 2.1%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Difference

$32.91

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.6%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Difference

$9.76

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.9%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Difference

$6.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$1,231

↓ $1,054

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$1,390

↓ $945

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$1,682

↓ $943

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$2,108

↓ $1,087

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Jersey City, NJ

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$5,820

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Elizabeth

$637K

Median Value

$501K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↑ +4.3%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.6%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$495K - $565K

Homes in Elizabeth are 21% less expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City Calculate payment - Elizabeth

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Jersey City, 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

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

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.