Elizabeth, NJ vs New Brunswick, NJ

Elizabeth, NJ and New Brunswick, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Elizabeth scores 116 while New Brunswick scores 120 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month compared to $1,790/month in New Brunswick — a 18% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elizabeth has cheaper rent, New Brunswick actually has lower median home values ($316,800 vs $393,500).

Median household income in Elizabeth is $63,874 compared to $60,248 in New Brunswick (+6%). Elizabeth offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elizabeth spend roughly 27.5% of their income on rent, less than the 35.7% in New Brunswick. The Elizabeth ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.