Median rent is 10% lower in Chapel Hill ($1,483/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $576,500. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $85,825 a year). Taken together, Chapel Hill is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 98.8 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Chapel Hill is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Chapel Hill vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Chapel Hill, NC
How much would you need to earn in Chapel Hill, NC to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Chapel Hill, NC
$72,171
You could earn $2,829 less (4% lower) and break even.
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
Chapel Hill
North Carolina
👥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 Chapel Hill at $1,483/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (10% gap). Median home values are within 11% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $576,500 in Chapel Hill.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.75% in North Carolina; Chapel Hill has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Chapel Hill
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Chapel Hill.
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 98.8).
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 Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Chapel Hill.
How much is rent in Austin vs Chapel Hill?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,483/mo in Chapel Hill, NC. Chapel Hill, NC has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Chapel Hill?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $85,825 in Chapel Hill, NC. 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 Chapel Hill?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in Chapel Hill to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $96,228 in Chapel Hill, NC (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