Median rent is 7% lower in New Braunfels ($1,536/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Braunfels, where the median home runs $315,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $88,257 a year). Taken together, New Braunfels is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 98.8 — about 4% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
New Braunfels is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.0 in New Braunfels vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
New Braunfels, TX
How much would you need to earn in New Braunfels, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in New Braunfels, TX
$72,113
You could earn $2,887 less (4% 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
New Braunfels
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
Median rent is modestly lower in New Braunfels at $1,536/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (7% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $315,100 in New Braunfels — 39% 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; New Braunfels has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
New Braunfels
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for New Braunfels.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.0 vs 98.8).
Is Austin cheaper than New Braunfels?
New Braunfels is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in New Braunfels.
How much is rent in Austin vs New Braunfels?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, TX has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or New Braunfels?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $88,257 in New Braunfels, 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 New Braunfels?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in New Braunfels to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $96,150 in New Braunfels, 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