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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Jersey City is 108% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,902/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
$94,813/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 34%
$534,500 ↑ 199%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 67%
$2,006/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 44%
289,691
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $796/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,552/year.

Median household income is $32,093/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Abilene — common questions

Is Jersey City or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Abilene?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $796/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Abilene?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $32,093/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Abilene details →

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