Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Austin is 20% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,655/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 12%
$91,461/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 30%
$512,700 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 23%
$1,747/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 12%
967,862
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $27,587/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Austin or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $27,587/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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