Cost of Living & Salary in Austin
Compare your salary to Austin (USA). With a cost of living index of 65 (NYC = 100), Austin is 35% cheaper than New York. See what salary you need — calculated privately in your browser.
Cost of Living in Austin
Austin is a booming tech hub with no state income tax. Tesla, Apple, and Google have significant presences. The city has a cost of living index of 65 relative to New York City (100), making it 35% cheaper than New York. Average salaries in Austin are around $65,000 per year, though this varies significantly by industry and experience level.
Housing is typically the largest expense, accounting for 35-40% of total living costs. In Austin, housing costs are below the global city average. Food, transportation, and healthcare make up most of the remaining budget.
Salary Comparison: Austin vs Other Cities
When comparing salaries across cities, raw numbers can be misleading. A lower salary in Austin can go further due to lower living costs. Use this calculator to find the equivalent salary you would need in Austin to match your current standard of living.
For example, someone earning $100,000 in New York (index 100) would need approximately $65,000 in Austin (index 65) to maintain the same purchasing power. This accounts for housing, groceries, transport, healthcare, and entertainment.
Working and Living in Austin
Austin offers a relatively affordable lifestyle with growing opportunities for professionals. The city's job market is growing with increasing demand for skilled workers.
Beyond salary, consider quality of life factors: commute times, public transportation, healthcare access, cultural amenities, and climate. Tax advantages (no state income tax) can also significantly impact your take-home pay and should be factored into any relocation decision.