Median rent is 25% lower in Daytona Beach ($1,239/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Daytona Beach, where the median home runs $244,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $50,130 a year). Taken together, Daytona Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Daytona Beach, FL
How much would you need to earn in Daytona Beach, FL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Daytona Beach, FL
$74,998
You could earn $2 less (0% 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
Daytona Beach
Florida
👥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 Daytona Beach — median rent of $1,239/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $244,300 in Daytona Beach — 52% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Florida; Daytona Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Daytona Beach
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Daytona Beach.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Daytona Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,239/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Daytona Beach.
How much is rent in Austin vs Daytona Beach?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,239/mo in Daytona Beach, FL. Daytona Beach, FL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Daytona Beach?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $50,130 in Daytona Beach, FL. 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 Daytona Beach?
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Daytona Beach to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,998 in Daytona Beach, FL (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