Median rent is 51% lower in Springfield ($805/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Springfield, where the median home runs $107,600 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $45,883 a year). Taken together, Springfield 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 Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Springfield is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 90.0 in Springfield vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Springfield, OH
How much would you need to earn in Springfield, OH to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Springfield, OH
$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
Springfield
Ohio
👥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 Springfield — median rent of $805/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 51% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $107,600 in Springfield — 79% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Ohio tops out at 3.50% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.75% in Ohio; Springfield has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Springfield
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Springfield.
Pick Springfield if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 90.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Springfield if you prioritize cheaper rent ($805/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Springfield?
Springfield 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 Springfield.
How much is rent in Austin vs Springfield?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $805/mo in Springfield, OH. Springfield, OH has the lower rent by about 51%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Springfield?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $45,883 in Springfield, OH. 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 Springfield?
Texas has no state income tax. Ohio has a top rate of 3.50%.
What salary do I need in Springfield 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 Springfield, OH (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