Median rent is 0% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,656/mo). Buying is cheaper in Spring, where the median home runs $221,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $86,888 a year). Taken together, Spring is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 90.0 against 98.8 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spring, TX.
Quick verdict
Spring is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Spring vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Spring, TX
How much would you need to earn in Spring, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Spring, TX
$68,320
You could earn $6,680 less (9% 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
Spring
Texas
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,655/mo in Austin and $1,656/mo in Spring. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $221,300 in Spring — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Spring has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Spring
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Spring.
Pick Spring if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.0 vs 98.8).
Is Austin cheaper than Spring?
Spring is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 90.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Spring.
How much is rent in Austin vs Spring?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,656/mo in Spring, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Spring?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $86,888 in Spring, TX. 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 Spring?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Spring to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $91,093 in Spring, TX (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