Median rent is 36% lower in High Point ($1,062/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in High Point, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $61,228 a year). Taken together, High Point 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 Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
High Point is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.8 in High Point vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
High Point, NC
How much would you need to earn in High Point, NC to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in High Point, NC
$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
High Point
North Carolina
👥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 High Point — median rent of $1,062/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $212,400 in High Point — 59% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.75% in North Carolina; High Point has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
High Point
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for High Point.
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.8 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick High Point if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,062/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than High Point?
High Point 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 High Point.
How much is rent in Austin vs High Point?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,062/mo in High Point, NC. High Point, NC has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or High Point?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $61,228 in High Point, NC. 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 High Point?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in High Point 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 High Point, NC (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