Median rent is 26% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,226/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $755,900. Households earn more in Concord ($109,195 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Concord is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 98.8 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Concord, CA.
Quick verdict
Concord is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.8 in Concord vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Concord, CA
How much would you need to earn in Concord, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Concord, CA
$73,464
You could earn $1,536 less (2% 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
Concord
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 $2,226/mo in Concord, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Concord: the median home is $755,900 versus $512,700 in Austin — 32% 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%
Concord
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Concord.
Pick Concord if you prioritize higher median household income ($109,195/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 Concord?
Concord is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Concord.
How much is rent in Austin vs Concord?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,226/mo in Concord, CA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Concord?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $109,195 in Concord, CA. Concord, 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 Concord?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Concord to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $97,953 in Concord, 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