Median rent is 27% lower in Green ($1,200/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Green, where the median home runs $269,400 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Green ($92,653 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Green is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Green, OH.
Quick verdict
Green is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in Green vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Green, OH
How much would you need to earn in Green, OH to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Green, OH
$71,178
You could earn $3,822 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
Green
Ohio
👥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 Green — median rent of $1,200/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $269,400 in Green — 47% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Ohio tops out at 3.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.75% in Ohio; Green has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Green
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Green.
Pick Green if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 98.8).
Pick Green if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,200/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Green?
Green is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Green.
How much is rent in Austin vs Green?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,200/mo in Green, OH. Green, OH has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Green?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $92,653 in Green, OH. Green, OH 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 Green?
Texas has no state income tax. Ohio has a top rate of 3.50%.
What salary do I need in Green to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $94,903 in Green, OH (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