City Comparison
Elizabeth vs Tigard
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elizabeth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabeth
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tigard is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Elizabeth.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,916 | $1,800 | +6% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,816 | $2,800 | +1% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elizabeth offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elizabeth delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabeth is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $66,555 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elizabeth runs warmer on average — a 54.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elizabeth comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elizabeth sees 19.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tigard has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elizabeth is the larger city
— approximately 2.5x the population of Tigard.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tigard has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,675 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.87% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 4.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elizabeth
Advantages
Median household income grew by 4.2% to $66,555 per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Exceptional public transit connectivity via NJ Transit rail and bus networks linking directly to New York City.
Strategic economic location adjacent to Newark Liberty International Airport and major port logistics hubs.
Vibrant multicultural community featuring diverse global dining, local markets, and cultural festivals.
Proximity to major higher education institutions, including Kean University located nearby in Union County.
Drawbacks
Poverty rate stands at approximately 15.7%, presenting ongoing socioeconomic challenges for a portion of residents.
High regional property taxes and housing costs typical of the New York metropolitan commuter zone.
Persistent urban traffic congestion along major freight corridors and highway intersections like Routes 1 and 9.
Limited single-family home inventory, leading to a highly competitive housing and rental market.
Industrial density in certain sectors contributes to localized environmental and air quality concerns.
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Elizabeth
#468New Jersey, USA
54.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,916
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
54.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.87%
Unemployment
6.10%
Livability
73
Business
69
Tigard
#505Oregon, USA
52.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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