Median rent is 41% lower in Huntsville ($981/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Huntsville, where the median home runs $225,800 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $45,401 a year). Taken together, Huntsville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.3 against 98.8 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Huntsville is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.3 in Huntsville vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Huntsville, TX
How much would you need to earn in Huntsville, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Huntsville, TX
$67,040
You could earn $7,960 less (11% 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
Huntsville
Texas
👥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 Huntsville — median rent of $981/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $225,800 in Huntsville — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Huntsville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Huntsville.
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 88.3 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($981/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Huntsville?
Huntsville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.3 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Huntsville.
How much is rent in Austin vs Huntsville?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $981/mo in Huntsville, TX. Huntsville, TX has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Huntsville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $45,401 in Huntsville, TX. 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 Huntsville?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Huntsville to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $89,387 in Huntsville, TX (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