Median rent is 30% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,377/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $661,500. Households earn more in Long Beach ($130,795 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Long Beach, NY.
Quick verdict
Austin is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 113.3 in Long Beach (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Long Beach, NY
How much would you need to earn in Long Beach, NY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Long Beach, NY
$86,004
You'd need $11,004 more (15% higher).
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
Long Beach
New York
👥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 Austin — median rent of $1,655/mo versus $2,377/mo in Long Beach, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Long Beach: the median home is $661,500 versus $512,700 in Austin — 22% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; Long Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Long Beach
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Long Beach.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.3).
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($130,795/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Long Beach?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Long Beach?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,377/mo in Long Beach, NY. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Long Beach?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $130,795 in Long Beach, NY. Long Beach, NY 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 Long Beach?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $114,673 in Long Beach, NY (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