New Jersey has the 4th highest state income tax in America (up to 10.75%), while Texas has zero state income tax. A $150,000 earner saves $11,125 per year moving from NJ to Texas. Property taxes are high in both states (NJ: 1.89%, TX: 1.6%), but Texas still wins on total tax burden for high earners. Both states have relatively high property taxes compared to the national average, so homeowners should calculate the full picture. Texas wins decisively for renters and high-income earners ($100K+).

By CountryTaxCalc Research Team

Last Updated: March 2026

The Big Picture

🌊 New Jersey

10.75%

4th Highest in Nation

7-8 progressive brackets from 1.4% - 10.75%

⭐ Texas

0%

No Income Tax

Constitutional prohibition on income tax

Typical Annual Savings

At $150,000 income:

$11,125

That is $927/month back in your pocket!

Tax Savings by Income Level

IncomeNJ TaxTX TaxSavings10-Year
$50,000 $1,365$0$1,365$13,650
$75,000 $2,788$0$2,788$27,880
$100,000 $4,413$0$4,413$44,130
$150,000 $11,125$0$11,125$111,250
$250,000 $21,625$0$21,625$216,250
$500,000 $48,500$0$48,500$485,000

New Jersey Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • Close to NYC (financial center)
  • Excellent public schools in many districts
  • Beach towns (Jersey Shore)
  • Strong public transportation to NYC

❌ Cons

  • 4th highest income tax (10.75%)
  • Highest property tax in nation (1.89% avg)
  • Very high cost of living
  • High property insurance costs

Texas Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • 0% state income tax (constitutional)
  • Affordable housing (compared to NJ/NYC area)
  • Booming economy (Austin, Dallas, Houston)
  • Business-friendly climate

❌ Cons

  • High property taxes (1.6%, though lower than NJ)
  • Hot summers (100°F+ common)
  • Hurricane risk (Houston, coastal areas)
  • Less public transportation than NJ
💡

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will I save moving from New Jersey to Texas?

At $100,000 income, you save $4,413 per year. At $150,000, you save $11,125 per year. At $250,000, you save $21,625 per year. New Jersey has rates up to 10.75% (4th highest in nation), while Texas has 0% state income tax.

Q: What is the state income tax rate in New Jersey vs Texas?

New Jersey has progressive rates from 1.4% to 10.75% (7-8 brackets depending on filing status). Texas has no state income tax - it is constitutionally prohibited.

Q: Is Texas really tax-free?

Texas has no state income tax, but makes up revenue through property taxes (1.6% average) and sales tax (6.25%-8.25%). However, even with higher property tax, most earners still come out ahead in Texas compared to New Jersey.

Q: What are the property tax differences between New Jersey and Texas?

New Jersey has the highest property tax in the nation at 1.89% average. Texas is also high at 1.6% average. On a $400,000 home: NJ = $7,560/year, TX = $6,400/year. Texas property tax is $1,160 less per year, but both are significantly above the national average of 1.08%.

Q: At what income level does Texas win vs New Jersey?

Texas wins at almost any income level, even for homeowners. A $100K earner saves $4,413 in income tax, which exceeds the ~$1,200 extra property tax on a $400K home. At $150K income ($11,125 saved), Texas clearly wins. For renters, Texas wins at every income level.

Q: Should I move from New Jersey to Texas for taxes?

For high earners ($150K+), yes - the $11K-$48K annual savings are substantial. For moderate earners ($75-100K), Texas saves $2,800-$4,400/year, significant but weigh against lifestyle factors (NYC access, schools, weather). For low earners (<$50K), savings are modest (~$1,365/year).

Q: How do New Jersey and Texas compare on overall tax burden?

New Jersey has the 4th highest state income tax (10.75%) and the highest property tax (1.89%) in the nation. Texas has 0% income tax but high property tax (1.6%). For most households, Texas has a lower overall tax burden, especially for high earners and renters.

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