Median rent is 35% lower in Columbus ($1,072/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $182,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $56,622 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Columbus is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Columbus vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Columbus, GA
How much would you need to earn in Columbus, GA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Columbus, GA
$71,420
You could earn $3,580 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
Columbus
Georgia
👥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 Columbus — median rent of $1,072/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $182,300 in Columbus — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Georgia tops out at 5.49% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in Georgia; Columbus has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Columbus
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,072/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Columbus?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Austin vs Columbus?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,072/mo in Columbus, GA. Columbus, GA has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Columbus?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $56,622 in Columbus, GA. 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?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Columbus?
Texas has no state income tax. Georgia has a top rate of 5.49%.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,226 in Columbus, GA (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