Median rent is 42% lower in Anderson ($965/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Anderson, where the median home runs $199,600 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $44,321 a year). Taken together, Anderson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Anderson is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in Anderson vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Anderson, SC
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Anderson, SC?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$79,002
You'd need $4,002 more (5% 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
Anderson
South Carolina
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 Anderson — median rent of $965/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 42% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $199,600 in Anderson — 61% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while South Carolina tops out at 6.40% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in South Carolina and 6.25% in Texas; Anderson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Anderson
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Anderson.
Pick Anderson if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Anderson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($965/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Anderson cheaper than Austin?
Anderson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Anderson.
How much is rent in Anderson vs Austin?
Median rent is $965/mo in Anderson, SC and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Anderson, SC has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Anderson or Austin?
Median household income is $44,321 in Anderson, SC 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 — Anderson or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. South Carolina has a top rate of 6.40%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Anderson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anderson, SC is equivalent to roughly $105,336 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