Median rent is 38% lower in Salisbury ($1,030/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Salisbury, where the median home runs $215,200 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $51,058 a year). Taken together, Salisbury is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 87.1 against 98.8 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Salisbury is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 87.1 in Salisbury vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Salisbury, NC
How much would you need to earn in Salisbury, NC to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Salisbury, NC
$66,135
You could earn $8,865 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
Salisbury
North Carolina
👥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 Salisbury — median rent of $1,030/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $215,200 in Salisbury — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.75% in North Carolina; Salisbury has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Salisbury
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Salisbury.
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 87.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Salisbury if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,030/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Salisbury?
Salisbury is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 87.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Salisbury.
How much is rent in Austin vs Salisbury?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,030/mo in Salisbury, NC. Salisbury, NC has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Salisbury?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $51,058 in Salisbury, NC. 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 Salisbury?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in Salisbury to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $88,179 in Salisbury, NC (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