Is Austin, TX cheaper than New Brunswick, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 0.9% cheaper than New Brunswick, NJ. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in New Brunswick, NJ, you'd need approximately $149,161.437 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 47.3% more expensive than in New Brunswick, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,947/month in New Brunswick, NJ.

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

Moving from New Brunswick, NJ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $70 per month, or $839 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Brunswick, NJ vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in New Brunswick, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $69.88/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.2K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$69.88

Savings

Annual Impact

$839

Per year

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

New Brunswick, NJ

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$438K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$558K

New Brunswick, NJ

The Garden State

56K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 56K 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: New Brunswick, NJ vs Austin, TX

Category	New Brunswick, NJ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,959/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $926more	47.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,539/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $255less	16.5%
📦Other	$1,950/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $209less	10.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,078/mo	$959/mo	↓ $119less	11.1%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$589/mo	↓ $86.17less	12.8%
⚡All Utilities	$584/mo	$541/mo	↓ $43.42less	7.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 47.3%

New Brunswick, NJ

$1,959

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$926

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.5%

New Brunswick, NJ

$1,539

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$255

less

📦Other

↓ 10.7%

New Brunswick, NJ

$1,950

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$209

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

New Brunswick, NJ

$1,078

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$119

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.8%

New Brunswick, NJ

$675

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$86.17

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.4%

New Brunswick, NJ

$584

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$43.42

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,416

To$1,585

↑ $169

1 Bed

From$1,547

To$1,685

↑ $138

2 Bed

From$1,947

To$1,995

↑ $48.00

3 Bed

From$2,332

To$2,525

↑ $193

New Brunswick, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/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.

$7,785

Monthly in New Brunswick, NJ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$213

Difference

Home Values

New Brunswick

Austin

$438K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +35.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$438K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 27% more expensive than New Brunswick

Calculate payment - New Brunswick 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

New Brunswick, 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

New Brunswick, 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.