Median rent is 22% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,127/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $1,351,100. Households earn more in Berkeley ($108,558 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 118.0 — about 16% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Austin is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 118.0 in Berkeley (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Berkeley, CA
How much would you need to earn in Berkeley, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Berkeley, CA
$89,568
You'd need $14,568 more (19% 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
Berkeley
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Austin — median rent of $1,655/mo versus $2,127/mo in Berkeley, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Berkeley: the median home is $1,351,100 versus $512,700 in Austin — 62% more expensive.
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%
Berkeley
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Berkeley.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 118.0).
Pick Berkeley if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,558/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Berkeley?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 118.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Berkeley?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,127/mo in Berkeley, CA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Berkeley?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $108,558 in Berkeley, CA. Berkeley, CA 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 Berkeley?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Berkeley to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $119,424 in Berkeley, 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