Is Austin, TX cheaper than Plainfield, NJ?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Plainfield, NJ, you'd need approximately $149,204.261 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 47.3% more expensive than in Plainfield, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,431/month in Plainfield, NJ.

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

Moving from Plainfield, NJ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $66 per month, or $796 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Plainfield, NJ — COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area + state data

Current salary in Plainfield, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $66.31/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

$66.31

Savings

Annual Impact

$796

Per year

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

Plainfield, NJ

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$558K

Plainfield, NJ

The Garden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 55K 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: Plainfield, NJ vs Austin, TX

Category	Plainfield, NJ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,958/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $927more	47.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,538/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $254less	16.5%
📦Other	$1,949/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $208less	10.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,078/mo	$959/mo	↓ $119less	11.0%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$589/mo	↓ $86.01less	12.7%
⚡All Utilities	$584/mo	$541/mo	↓ $43.28less	7.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 47.3%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,958

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$927

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.5%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,538

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$254

less

📦Other

↓ 10.7%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,949

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$208

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.0%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,078

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$119

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.7%

Plainfield, NJ

$675

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$86.01

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.4%

Plainfield, NJ

$584

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$43.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$981

To$1,585

↑ $604

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,685

↑ $540

2 Bed

From$1,431

To$1,995

↑ $564

3 Bed

From$1,963

To$2,525

↑ $562

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.

$7,782

Monthly in Plainfield, NJ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$217

Difference

Home Values

Plainfield

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

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

Plainfield, 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

Plainfield, 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.