Austin vs New York: Cost of Living & Salary Comparison
How do Austin and New York stack up for professionals? We compare salaries, rent, taxes, and overall quality of life to help you make an informed decision.
Austin
New York
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Category | Austin | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 72 | 100 | -28% (lower is better) |
| Median Salary | $70,000 | $75,000 | |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,800 | $3,200 | (/month) |
| Rent (2BR) | $2,500 | $4,500 | (/month) |
| Groceries Index | 80 | 100 | -20% (NYC=100) |
| Transport Monthly | $65 | $127 | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 24% | 28.5% | (at median income) |
| Purchasing Power | 108 | 100 | +8% (higher is better) |
Salary Comparison by Role
| Role | Austin | New York | Difference |
|---|
Austin Offers Better Purchasing Power
While Austin may be cheaper, its purchasing power index of 108 vs 100 means your money generally goes further. However, median salaries in New York are higher, so it depends on your specific role and compensation.
Common Questions
Based on cost of living indices, Austin (72) is less expensive compared to New York (100), where NYC = 100.
To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately $139,000 in New York to match $100,000 in Austin.
Austin has a tech hub score of 8/10 while New York scores 9/10. New York generally offers more tech opportunities.
Based on purchasing power, Austin offers better value. This accounts for both salary levels and cost of living.
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Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.