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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Austin is 9% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,655/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 15%
$91,461/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 4%
$512,700 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 4%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 15%
967,862
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $3,352/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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 Jersey City — common questions

Is Austin or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Jersey City?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Jersey City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $3,352/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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