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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Jersey City is 54% more expensive than Garland.

$1,902/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 20%
$94,813/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 21%
$534,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 53%
$2,006/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 28%
289,691
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $20,096/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Garland — common questions

Is Jersey City or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Garland?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Garland?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $20,096/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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Garland details →

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