How much does it cost to rent in Elizabeth, NJ?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Elizabeth, NJ is $2,255. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Elizabeth cheaper than other New Jersey cities?

Elizabeth is among the more affordable cities in New Jersey, ranking #139 out of 180 cities at $2,255/mo.

When was Elizabeth rent data last updated?

Elizabeth rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · NJ

Elizabeth

Name: Average Rent Prices in Elizabeth, NJ
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 137,302·139th most expensive in New Jersey·Rental market data updated monthly for Elizabeth, NJ

Median rent (all units)

$2,255/mo

Year-over-Year

-2.0%

Month-over-Month

+1.0%

vs US Median

+$290

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Elizabeth · $2,255

More expensive than 71% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

71/100

Good value

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% below what Elizabeth's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$2,255/mo

Expected by trend

$2,524/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Elizabeth's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,343

1 BR

$1,533

2 BR

$1,855

3 BR

$2,338

4 BR+

$2,658

Research median

$1,855/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$27,060/yr

At $2,255/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Balanced Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.

Based on rent-price momentum (-2.0% YoY, +1.0% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Elizabeth, NJ is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

137,302

Median income

$66,555

Median age

35.8

Renters

74.4%

Age distribution

25.6%

23.1%

28.2%

Under 1825.6%

18–3423.1%

35–5428.2%

55–6411.1%

65+11.9%

Gender

50.1%

49.9%

Male50.1%

Female49.9%

Race & ethnicity

20.3%

16.3%

67.4%

White20.3%

Black16.3%

Hispanic67.4%

Asian1.8%

Education (25+)

25.8%

37.3%

22.3%

14.6%

No HS diploma25.8%

HS diploma37.3%

Some college22.3%

Bachelor's+14.6%

Housing tenure

25.6%

74.4%

Owner25.6%

Renter74.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Elizabeth, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,639 → $2,255

up 37.6%

Income

$54,415 → $66,555

up 22.3%

Population

135,772 → 137,302

up 1.1%

Renter share

74.7% → 74.4%

-0.3 pts

Bachelor's+

14.6% → 14.6%

+0.0 pts

Median age

35.3 → 35.8

+0.5 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Elizabeth, NJ paid around $1,639 a month. That figure now sits near $2,255, up 37.6% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Elizabeth, NJ now reports about $66,555, up from $54,415 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Elizabeth, NJ adding about 1,530 residents over the five-year window, up 1.1% on net. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Elizabeth, NJ reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Elizabeth

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View Elizabeth rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Elizabeth on your salary?

At $2,255/mo, how Elizabeth rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $105,818/yr · Rent = 25.6% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $75,130/yr · Rent = 36% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $86,542/yr · Rent = 31.3% income

stretched

Software Developer

Avg $154,683/yr · Rent = 17.5% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $197,646/yr · Rent = 13.7% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $70,347/yr · Rent = 38.5% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $63,515/yr · Rent = 42.6% income

rent-burdened

Electrician

Avg $78,288/yr · Rent = 34.6% income

stretched

By apartment size

Elizabeth rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Elizabeth. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Elizabeth

About renting in Elizabeth, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Elizabeth is $2,255/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,343/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,855/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,533/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,338/mo.

At 41% of local median household income ($66,555/yr), Elizabeth ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Elizabeth an affordable city for renters?

Elizabeth is considered stretched for renters. At $2,255/mo, rent takes approximately 41% of the local median household income ($66,555/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Elizabeth significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Elizabeth?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $90,000/year (~$43/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,255/mo in Elizabeth. The local median household income is $66,555/yr, meaning the typical Elizabeth household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Elizabeth?

Rent in Elizabeth has decreased 2.0% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Elizabeth neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Elizabeth are 07208 ($1,880/mo), 07206 ($2,069/mo), and 07202 ($2,336/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Elizabeth is $2,255/mo.

How does Elizabeth rent compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Elizabeth is one of the more affordable cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #139 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,255/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Elizabeth?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Elizabeth ($2,255/mo): Irvington ($2,038/mo), Newark ($2,130/mo).

What percentage of Elizabeth residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 74.4% of Elizabeth households are renters, while 25.6% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Elizabeth has a strong rental market.

How does Elizabeth rent compare to the national average?

Elizabeth's median rent of $2,255/mo is $290 (15%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #139 out of 180 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

41%

STRETCHED

At $2,255/mo, rent takes ~41% of Elizabeth's median household income ($66,555/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Elizabeth 41%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1.4–10.75%

Run the Elizabeth affordability calculator →

Nearby cities