Median rent is 12% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,874/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $605,700. Households earn more in Alpharetta ($146,581 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Alpharetta is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.6 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Alpharetta, GA.
City A
Alpharetta, GA
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Alpharetta, GA?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$75,153
You'd need $153 more (0% 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
Alpharetta
Georgia
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 $1,874/mo in Alpharetta (12% gap). Median home values are within 15% of each other: $605,700 in Alpharetta and $512,700 in Austin.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Georgia tops out at 5.49% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 6.25% in Texas; Alpharetta has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alpharetta
Income tax: 5.49%
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 Alpharetta.
Pick Alpharetta if you prioritize higher median household income ($146,581/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Alpharetta cheaper than Austin?
Alpharetta is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.6 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Alpharetta.
How much is rent in Alpharetta vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,874/mo in Alpharetta, GA and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Alpharetta or Austin?
Median household income is $146,581 in Alpharetta, GA and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Alpharetta, GA 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 — Alpharetta or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. Georgia has a top rate of 5.49%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Alpharetta income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alpharetta, GA is equivalent to roughly $100,204 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