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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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.

Newark, NJ

Population:312K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$484K

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K
Cost Index:
63
(37% below avg)
Median Home:$501K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K 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: Newark, NJ vs Elizabeth, NJ

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

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Elizabeth, NJ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,400
To$1,231
$169
1 Bed
From$1,600
To$1,390
$210
2 Bed
From$1,930
To$1,682
$248
3 Bed
From$2,430
To$2,108
$322
Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600$1,610/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 Newark, NJ
$7,917
Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ
$5,820
Difference

Home Values

Newark
Elizabeth
$484K
Median Value
$501K
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
↑ +4.3%
↑ +30.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +55.6%
$395K - $565K
Price Range
$495K - $565K

Homes in Elizabeth are 3% more expensive than Newark

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
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Newark, 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

Newark, 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.

Environment

Newark
Elizabeth
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
15 days
Heat Days >95°F
15 days
+2.9°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
15 days
Heat Days >95°F
15 days

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