Median rent is 5% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,750/mo). Buying is cheaper in Henderson, where the median home runs $465,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $88,654 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.
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, NV
How much would you need to earn in Henderson, NV to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Henderson, NV
$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
Nevada
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,655/mo in Austin and $1,750/mo in Henderson. Median home values are within 9% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $465,000 in Henderson.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Nevada have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.85% in Nevada; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Henderson
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.85%
Henderson has cleaner air on average: 12.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Henderson if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 12.0).
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 $1,750/mo in Henderson, NV. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Henderson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $88,654 in Henderson, NV. 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?
Henderson, NV has better air quality on average: 12.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Henderson?
Both Texas and Nevada have no state income tax.
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, NV (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