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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Austin is 34% more expensive than Newark.

$1,655/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 20%
$91,461/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 47%
$512,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 34%
$1,747/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 19%
967,862
Population
307,188

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
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $43,045/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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 Newark — common questions

Is Austin or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Newark?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Newark?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $43,045/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 Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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