Median rent is 29% lower in Albany ($1,178/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albany, where the median home runs $223,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $59,485 a year). Taken together, Albany is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 98.8 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Albany is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.6 in Albany vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Albany, NY
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Albany, NY?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$76,730
You'd need $1,730 more (2% 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
Albany
New York
Austin
Texas
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albany — median rent of $1,178/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $223,000 in Albany — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.25% in Texas; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Albany.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Albany if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,178/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Albany cheaper than Austin?
Albany is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Albany.
How much is rent in Albany vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,178/mo in Albany, NY and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Albany, NY has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Austin?
Median household income is $59,485 in Albany, NY and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Austin, TX 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, NY is equivalent to roughly $102,307 in Austin, TX (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