Median rent is 7% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,789/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $583,900. Households earn more in Sandy Springs ($101,593 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Sandy Springs is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.6 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sandy Springs, GA.
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Sandy Springs, GA
How much would you need to earn in Sandy Springs, GA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Sandy Springs, GA
$74,847
You could earn $153 less (0% 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
Sandy Springs
Georgia
👥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 $1,789/mo in Sandy Springs (7% gap). Median home values are within 12% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $583,900 in Sandy Springs.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Georgia tops out at 5.49% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in Georgia; Sandy Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Sandy Springs
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Sandy Springs.
Pick Sandy Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($101,593/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.6 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Sandy Springs.
How much is rent in Austin vs Sandy Springs?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,789/mo in Sandy Springs, GA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Sandy Springs?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $101,593 in Sandy Springs, GA. Sandy Springs, GA 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 Sandy Springs?
Texas has no state income tax. Georgia has a top rate of 5.49%.
What salary do I need in Sandy Springs to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,797 in Sandy Springs, GA (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