Median rent is 21% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,093/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $710,400. Households earn more in Boston ($94,755 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 112.2 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 112.2 in Boston (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Boston, MA
How much would you need to earn in Boston, MA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Boston, MA
$85,154
You'd need $10,154 more (14% 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
Boston
Massachusetts
👥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 $2,093/mo in Boston, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boston: the median home is $710,400 versus $512,700 in Austin — 28% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Massachusetts tops out at 9.00% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Boston has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Boston
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Boston has cleaner air on average: 41.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 112.2).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Boston if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 41.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Boston?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 112.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Boston?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,093/mo in Boston, MA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Boston?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $94,755 in Boston, MA. Boston, MA 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?
Boston, MA has better air quality on average: 41.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Boston?
Texas has no state income tax. Massachusetts has a top rate of 9.00%.
What salary do I need in Boston to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $113,538 in Boston, MA (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