Median rent is 12% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,877/mo). Buying is cheaper in Allen, where the median home runs $429,900 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Allen ($129,130 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Allen is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 98.8 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Allen, TX.
Quick verdict
Allen is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Allen vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Allen, TX
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Allen, TX?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$75,568
You'd need $568 more (1% 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
Allen
Texas
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,877/mo in Allen (12% gap). Median home values are within 16% of each other: $429,900 in Allen and $512,700 in Austin.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Allen.
Pick Allen if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,130/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Is Allen cheaper than Austin?
Allen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Allen.
How much is rent in Allen vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,877/mo in Allen, TX and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Allen or Austin?
Median household income is $129,130 in Allen, TX and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Allen, 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 — Allen or Austin?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Allen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allen, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,758 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