Median rent is 29% lower in Roseville ($1,175/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Roseville, where the median home runs $142,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $61,222 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 109.9 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 109.9 in Roseville (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Roseville, MI
How much would you need to earn in Roseville, MI to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Roseville, MI
$83,421
You'd need $8,421 more (11% 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
Roseville
Michigan
👥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 Roseville — median rent of $1,175/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $142,700 in Roseville — 72% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Michigan tops out at 4.25% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Michigan; Roseville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Roseville
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Roseville.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 109.9).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Roseville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,175/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Roseville?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 109.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Roseville?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,175/mo in Roseville, MI. Roseville, MI has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Roseville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $61,222 in Roseville, MI. 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 Roseville?
Texas has no state income tax. Michigan has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in Roseville to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $111,228 in Roseville, MI (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