Elizabeth, NJ vs Toms River, NJ

Elizabeth, NJ and Toms River, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Elizabeth scores 116 while Toms River scores 121 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 $1,678/month in Toms River — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elizabeth has cheaper rent, Toms River actually has lower median home values ($377,800 vs $393,500).

Median household income in Elizabeth is $63,874 compared to $95,759 in Toms River (-33.3%). While Toms River is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elizabeth spend roughly 27.5% of their income on rent, more than the 21% in Toms River.