Median rent is 13% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,902/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $534,500. Households earn more in Jersey City ($94,813 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.0 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 113.0 in Jersey City (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Jersey City, NJ
How much would you need to earn in Jersey City, NJ to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Jersey City, NJ
$85,761
You'd need $10,761 more (14% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Jersey City
New Jersey
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,902/mo in Jersey City (13% gap). Median home values are within 4% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $534,500 in Jersey City.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New Jersey tops out at 10.75% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.63% in New Jersey; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Jersey City
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Jersey City?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Jersey City?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,902/mo in Jersey City, NJ. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Jersey City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $94,813 in Jersey City, NJ. Jersey City, NJ has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Jersey City?
Texas has no state income tax. New Jersey has a top rate of 10.75%.
What salary do I need in Jersey City to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $114,348 in Jersey City, NJ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology