Cost of Living in Elizabeth

Elizabeth's cost of living runs moderately below New Jersey's own statewide housing average, offset by a real, above-average property-tax rate.

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Below-statewide-average home values

Elizabeth's median home value (approximately $534,666-$544,000) runs genuinely below New Jersey's own $584,681 statewide average, while remaining above the national median.

A real, above-average property-tax offset

Elizabeth's own effective property tax rate ran 2.54% -- meaningfully above New Jersey's 1.88%-2.23% statewide average -- offsetting some of the relative housing-price advantage.

New Jersey's graduated income tax applies statewide

New Jersey's real, graduated 7-bracket income tax (1.4%-10.75%) applies in Elizabeth as statewide, alongside the state's simple, uniform 6.625% sales tax.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-25. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.