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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Newark is 41% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,330/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 17%
$48,416/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 30%
$337,800 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 47%
$1,419/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
307,188
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $14,304/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 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

Newark vs Abilene — common questions

Is Newark or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Abilene?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Abilene?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,304/year higher in Abilene.
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 Newark or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Abilene

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland