Is Austin, TX cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 38.7% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $2902 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $115,178.571 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 62.3% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

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

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2902 per month, or $34821 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Jersey City, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.2K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 38.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,902

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.8K

Per year

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

Jersey City, NJ

Population:292K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$637K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$558K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 292K 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: Jersey City, NJ vs Austin, TX

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $4,763less	62.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $318less	19.9%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $293less	14.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$589/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.4%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$541/mo	↓ $59.01less	9.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.3%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$4,763

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$318

less

📦Other

↓ 14.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$293

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$206

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.8%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$59.01

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$1,585

↓ $700

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$1,685

↓ $650

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$1,995

↓ $630

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$2,525

↓ $670

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Jersey City, NJ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$5,739

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Austin

$637K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 12% less expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City 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

Jersey City, 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

Jersey City, 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.