Median rent is 21% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,082/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $771,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $90,583 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 113.3 in Anaheim (US average = 100)
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$65,404
You could earn $9,596 less (13% lower) and break even.
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
Anaheim
California
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 Austin — median rent of $1,655/mo versus $2,082/mo in Anaheim, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $771,700 versus $512,700 in Austin — 34% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Anaheim
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 80.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.3).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Anaheim cheaper than Austin?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs Austin?
Median rent is $2,082/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or Austin?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim, CA 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?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 80.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $87,205 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