Median rent is 24% lower in Balch Springs ($1,260/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Balch Springs, where the median home runs $208,200 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $70,528 a year).
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Balch Springs, TX
How much would you need to earn in Balch Springs, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
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
Texas
Balch Springs
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 Balch Springs — median rent of $1,260/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $208,200 in Balch Springs — 59% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Balch Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Balch Springs
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Balch Springs.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Balch Springs if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,260/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Balch Springs?
Cost of living index data is not yet available for one or both cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Balch Springs?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,260/mo in Balch Springs, TX. Balch Springs, TX has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Balch Springs?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $70,528 in Balch Springs, 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 — Austin or Balch Springs?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Balch Springs to match my Austin income?
RPP data needed for salary equivalence calculation is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology