Median rent is 7% lower in Bell ($1,538/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $561,400. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $60,641 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 114.0 — 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 114.0 in Bell (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Bell, CA
How much would you need to earn in Bell, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Bell, CA
$86,545
You'd need $11,545 more (15% 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
Austin
Texas
Bell
California
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Bell at $1,538/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (7% gap). Median home values are within 9% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $561,400 in Bell.
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 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Bell
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Bell.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 114.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Bell?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Bell?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,538/mo in Bell, CA. Bell, CA has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Bell?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $60,641 in Bell, CA. 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 Bell?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Bell to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $115,393 in Bell, CA (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