Median rent is 2% lower in Middletown ($1,614/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Middletown, where the median home runs $271,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $77,174 a year). Taken together, Middletown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 98.8 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Middletown is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Middletown vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Middletown, NY
How much would you need to earn in Middletown, NY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Middletown, NY
$70,174
You could earn $4,826 less (6% 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
Middletown
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,655/mo in Austin and $1,614/mo in Middletown. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $271,000 in Middletown — 47% 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; Middletown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Middletown
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Middletown.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Middletown?
Middletown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Middletown.
How much is rent in Austin vs Middletown?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,614/mo in Middletown, NY. Middletown, NY has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Middletown?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $77,174 in Middletown, NY. 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 Middletown?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Middletown to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $93,565 in Middletown, 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