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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Jersey City is 78% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,902/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 30%
$94,813/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 23%
$534,500 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 61%
$2,006/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 38%
289,691
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $21,783/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Odessa — common questions

Is Jersey City or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Odessa?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Odessa?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,783/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Odessa details →

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