Median rent is 52% lower in Henderson ($788/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Henderson, where the median home runs $151,400 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $47,176 a year). Taken together, Henderson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 98.8 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Henderson is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Henderson vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Henderson, KY
How much would you need to earn in Henderson, KY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Henderson, KY
$73,233
You could earn $1,767 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
Henderson
Kentucky
👥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 Henderson — median rent of $788/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 52% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $151,400 in Henderson — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Kentucky tops out at 4.00% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Kentucky; Henderson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Henderson
Income tax: 4.00%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Henderson.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Henderson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($788/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Henderson?
Henderson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Henderson.
How much is rent in Austin vs Henderson?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $788/mo in Henderson, KY. Henderson, KY has the lower rent by about 52%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Henderson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $47,176 in Henderson, KY. 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 Henderson?
Texas has no state income tax. Kentucky has a top rate of 4.00%.
What salary do I need in Henderson to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $97,644 in Henderson, KY (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