Median rent is 31% lower in Austin ($860/mo vs $1,239/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $155,100 versus $244,300. Households earn more in Austin ($66,488 vs $50,130 a year). Taken together, Daytona Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, MN.
City A
Austin, MN
City B
Daytona Beach, FL
How much would you need to earn in Daytona Beach, FL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, MN?
Equivalent salary in Daytona Beach, FL
$74,998
You could earn $2 less (0% 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
Austin
Minnesota
Daytona Beach
Florida
👥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 $860/mo versus $1,239/mo in Daytona Beach, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Daytona Beach: the median home is $244,300 versus $155,100 in Austin — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Minnesota tops out at 9.85% — giving Daytona Beach a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.88% in Minnesota and 6.00% in Florida; Daytona Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Daytona Beach
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,488/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($860/mo median).
Pick Daytona Beach if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Daytona Beach.
How much is rent in Austin vs Daytona Beach?
Median rent is $860/mo in Austin, MN and $1,239/mo in Daytona Beach, FL. Austin, MN has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Daytona Beach?
Median household income is $66,488 in Austin, MN and $50,130 in Daytona Beach, FL. Austin, MN 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 — Austin or Daytona Beach?
Florida has no state income tax. Minnesota has a top rate of 9.85%.
What salary do I need in Daytona Beach to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, MN is equivalent to roughly $99,998 in Daytona Beach, FL (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