Chelsea, MA vs Elizabeth, NJ
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Chelsea
62.7
#1829 nationally
Elizabeth
66.6
#1519 nationally
Elizabeth leads in crime level (11.2 vs 26.8). Elizabeth leads in average commute (26.7 min vs 34.1 min). Chelsea leads in median household income ($71,051 vs $59,939).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chelsea, MA | Elizabeth, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1829) | 66.6 (#1519) |
| Population | 38,319 | 135,829 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $531,983 | $548,370 |
| Median Household Income | $71,051 | $59,939 |
| Average Commute | 34.1 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 81 | 80 |
| Crime Level | 26.8 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 135 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+52.5 | D+24.2 |
D-
62.7 Score
Chelsea, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$531,983
Population
38,319
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
81
Northeast
View Chelsea, MA →
D
66.6 Score
Elizabeth, NJ
Mid-size New Jersey city with community character
Median Home
$548,370
Population
135,829
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
80
Northeast
View Elizabeth, NJ →