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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Jersey City is 106% more expensive than Waco.

$1,902/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 42%
$94,813/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 46%
$534,500 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 63%
$2,006/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 45%
289,691
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $804/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,648/year.

Median household income is $43,345/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Waco — common questions

Is Jersey City or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Waco?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $804/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Waco?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $43,345/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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