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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Austin is 26% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,655/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 12%
$91,461/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 41%
$512,700 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 35%
$1,747/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 11%
967,862
Population
157,660

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
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $37,695/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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 Paterson — common questions

Is Austin or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Paterson?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Paterson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $37,695/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 Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Paterson details →

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