Median rent is 38% lower in Cheektowaga ($1,025/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Cheektowaga, where the median home runs $169,200 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $66,293 a year). Taken together, Cheektowaga is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.0 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Cheektowaga is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.0 in Cheektowaga vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Cheektowaga, NY
How much would you need to earn in Cheektowaga, NY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Cheektowaga, NY
$71,344
You could earn $3,656 less (5% 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
Cheektowaga
New York
👥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 Cheektowaga — median rent of $1,025/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $169,200 in Cheektowaga — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; Cheektowaga has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Cheektowaga
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Cheektowaga.
Pick Cheektowaga if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Cheektowaga if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,025/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Cheektowaga?
Cheektowaga is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Cheektowaga.
How much is rent in Austin vs Cheektowaga?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,025/mo in Cheektowaga, NY. Cheektowaga, NY has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Cheektowaga?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $66,293 in Cheektowaga, NY. 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 Cheektowaga?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Cheektowaga to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,126 in Cheektowaga, NY (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