Median rent is 44% lower in Newark ($926/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newark, where the median home runs $174,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $58,920 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.0 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 113.0 in Newark (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Newark, OH
How much would you need to earn in Newark, OH to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Newark, OH
$85,761
You'd need $10,761 more (14% 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
Newark
Ohio
👥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 Newark — median rent of $926/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 44% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $174,100 in Newark — 66% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Ohio tops out at 3.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.75% in Ohio; Newark has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Newark
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Newark.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Newark if you prioritize cheaper rent ($926/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Newark?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Newark?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $926/mo in Newark, OH. Newark, OH has the lower rent by about 44%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Newark?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $58,920 in Newark, OH. 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 Newark?
Texas has no state income tax. Ohio has a top rate of 3.50%.
What salary do I need in Newark to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $114,348 in Newark, OH (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