Salary & Cost of Living in Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth, NJ: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 110, $15.49/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
110
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.49
per hour
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
Elizabeth, NJ Overview
Population
137,298
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$56,000
Avg Commute
32 min
Median Home Price
$360,000
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Job Growth
+1%
Sales Tax
6.63%
Elizabeth is located in New Jersey with a population of 137,298. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1%.
Elizabeth Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Elizabeth, NJ, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,449
$3,287.38/month · $1,517.25/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.1%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$2,765
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$39,449
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| New Jersey State Tax (5.53%) | -$230.42 | -$2,765.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,287.38 | $39,448.50 |
Salary Comparison: Elizabeth vs Other Cities
See how Elizabeth's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth, NJ | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Elizabeth
Elizabeth's cost of living index is 110 (national average = 100). Living in Elizabeth is 10% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$360,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Annual Rent Cost
$16,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,449 annual take-home pay in Elizabeth has the purchasing power of approximately $35,862 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $55,000 in Elizabeth to match a $50,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Elizabeth
Elizabeth's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Elizabeth Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.53% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Elizabeth's top industries include Transportation, Manufacturing, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Elizabeth, NJ?
The median salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,000. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ?
Elizabeth's cost of living index is 110 (national average = 100), meaning it is 10% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $360,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,400.
What are the best industries in Elizabeth?
The top industries in Elizabeth, NJ include Transportation, Manufacturing, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Elizabeth's salary compare to other cities?
Elizabeth's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 110), the real purchasing power is approximately $45,455.
What is the minimum wage in Elizabeth, NJ?
The minimum wage in Elizabeth, NJ is $15.49 per hour. This equals approximately $32,219 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $8.24 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.