Median rent is 7% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,781/mo). Buying is cheaper in Port St. Lucie, where the median home runs $327,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $78,137 a year). Taken together, Port St. Lucie is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 98.8 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Port St. Lucie is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.9 in Port St. Lucie vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Port St. Lucie, FL
How much would you need to earn in Port St. Lucie, FL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Port St. Lucie, FL
$72,041
You could earn $2,959 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
Port St. Lucie
Florida
👥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 Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie (7% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $327,700 in Port St. Lucie — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Florida; Port St. Lucie has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Port St. Lucie
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Port St. Lucie has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 22.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Port St. Lucie.
How much is rent in Austin vs Port St. Lucie?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie, FL. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie, FL. 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?
Port St. Lucie, FL has better air quality on average: 22.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Port St. Lucie?
Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Port St. Lucie to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $96,054 in Port St. Lucie, FL (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