Median rent is 28% lower in Austin ($860/mo vs $1,199/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $155,100 versus $244,200. Households earn more in Georgetown ($78,373 vs $66,488 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.8).
City A
Austin, MN
City B
Georgetown, KY
How much would you need to earn in Georgetown, KY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, MN?
Equivalent salary in Georgetown, KY
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Georgetown
Kentucky
👥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 $1,199/mo in Georgetown, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Georgetown: the median home is $244,200 versus $155,100 in Austin — 36% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85% versus 4.00% in Kentucky, so Georgetown is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.88% in Minnesota and 6.00% in Kentucky; Georgetown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Georgetown
Income tax: 4.00%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Georgetown if you prioritize higher median household income ($78,373/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($860/mo median).
Pick Georgetown if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.00%).
Is Austin cheaper than Georgetown?
Austin 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 Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Georgetown?
Median rent is $860/mo in Austin, MN and $1,199/mo in Georgetown, KY. Austin, MN has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Georgetown?
Median household income is $66,488 in Austin, MN and $78,373 in Georgetown, KY. Georgetown, KY 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 Georgetown?
Minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85% and Kentucky's is 4.00%. Georgetown, KY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Georgetown to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, MN is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Georgetown, KY (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