Is Austin, TX cheaper than Passaic, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 1.4% cheaper than Passaic, NJ. This translates to saving $105 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Passaic, NJ, you'd need approximately $148,740.876 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 46.6% more expensive than in Passaic, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,554/month in Passaic, NJ.

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

Moving from Passaic, NJ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $105 per month, or $1259 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Passaic, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $105/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.7K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$105

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.3K

Per year

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

Passaic, NJ

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$553K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$558K

Passaic, NJ

The Garden State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 69K 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: Passaic, NJ vs Austin, TX

Category	Passaic, NJ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,968/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $916more	46.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,546/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $262less	16.9%
📦Other	$1,959/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $218less	11.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,081/mo	$959/mo	↓ $122less	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$676/mo	$589/mo	↓ $87.77less	13.0%
⚡All Utilities	$586/mo	$541/mo	↓ $44.80less	7.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 46.6%

Passaic, NJ

$1,968

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$916

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.9%

Passaic, NJ

$1,546

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$262

less

📦Other

↓ 11.1%

Passaic, NJ

$1,959

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$218

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.3%

Passaic, NJ

$1,081

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$122

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.0%

Passaic, NJ

$676

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$87.77

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.6%

Passaic, NJ

$586

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$44.80

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,192

To$1,585

↑ $393

1 Bed

From$1,357

To$1,685

↑ $328

2 Bed

From$1,554

To$1,995

↑ $441

3 Bed

From$1,899

To$2,525

↑ $626

Passaic, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,650/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.

$7,816

Monthly in Passaic, NJ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$182

Difference

Home Values

Passaic

Austin

$553K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +42.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$553K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 1% more expensive than Passaic

Calculate payment - Passaic 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

Passaic, 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

Passaic, 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.