Median rent is 30% lower in Provo ($1,152/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Provo, where the median home runs $437,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $62,800 a year). Taken together, Provo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.3 against 98.8 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Provo is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.3 in Provo vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Provo, UT
How much would you need to earn in Provo, UT to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Provo, UT
$66,277
You could earn $8,723 less (12% 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
Provo
Utah
👥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 Provo — median rent of $1,152/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 30% difference. Median home values are within 15% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $437,100 in Provo.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Utah tops out at 4.65% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.85% in Utah; Provo has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Provo
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Provo.
Pick Provo if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.3 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Provo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,152/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Provo?
Provo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.3 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Provo.
How much is rent in Austin vs Provo?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,152/mo in Provo, UT. Provo, UT has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Provo?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $62,800 in Provo, UT. 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 Provo?
Texas has no state income tax. Utah has a top rate of 4.65%.
What salary do I need in Provo to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $88,370 in Provo, UT (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