Is Austin, TX cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.9% cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ. This translates to saving $216 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Elizabeth, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Elizabeth, NJ, you'd need approximately $147,409.029 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Elizabeth, NJ and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.4% more expensive than in Elizabeth, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Austin, TX?

Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $216 per month, or $2591 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elizabeth, NJ vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Elizabeth, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Elizabeth, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $216/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$216

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$501K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Elizabeth, NJ vs Austin, TX

Category	Elizabeth, NJ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,998/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $886more	44.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,569/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $285less	18.2%
📦Other	$1,989/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $248less	12.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$959/mo	↓ $130less	11.9%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$589/mo	↓ $92.90less	13.6%
⚡All Utilities	$590/mo	$541/mo	↓ $49.25less	8.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.4%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$886

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.2%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$285

less

📦Other

↓ 12.5%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$248

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.9%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$130

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$92.90

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.3%

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$49.25

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,231

To$1,585

↑ $354

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,685

↑ $295

2 Bed

From$1,682

To$1,995

↑ $313

3 Bed

From$2,108

To$2,525

↑ $417

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$80.93

Difference

Home Values

Elizabeth

Austin

$501K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +55.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$495K - $565K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 11% more expensive than Elizabeth

Calculate payment - Elizabeth Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Elizabeth, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Elizabeth, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.