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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Newark is 20% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,330/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$48,416/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 51%
$337,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 38%
$1,419/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 12%
307,188
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,614/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 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

Newark vs Odessa — common questions

Is Newark or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Odessa?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Odessa?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $24,614/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Odessa

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham