Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,183 in New Jersey versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Texas runs roughly 1% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $53,766 in New Jersey and $67,043 in Texas — about 20% higher in Texas. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.625%
6.25%
+0.4 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
10.75%
None
+10.8 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,183
$1,170
+1% in New Jersey
Median Home Value
$337,800
$264,900
+22% in New Jersey
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$53,766
$67,043
+25% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
67.2°F
+12.3°F in Texas
New Jersey vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Texas?
- Texas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,170 runs about 1% below New Jersey's $1,183, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Jersey than in Texas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $47,000 a year in New Jersey versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Texas?
- New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/8 cities we track in New Jersey/Texas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.