Median rent is 17% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,006/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $531,600. Households earn more in Syracuse ($132,459 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Syracuse is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.5 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Syracuse, UT.
Quick verdict
Syracuse is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.5 in Syracuse vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Syracuse, UT
How much would you need to earn in Syracuse, UT to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, UT
$71,007
You could earn $3,993 less (5% 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
Syracuse
Utah
👥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 $2,006/mo in Syracuse (17% gap). Median home values are within 4% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $531,600 in Syracuse.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Utah tops out at 4.65% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.85% in Utah; Syracuse has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Syracuse
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Syracuse.
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.5 vs 98.8).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize higher median household income ($132,459/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Syracuse?
Syracuse is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Syracuse.
How much is rent in Austin vs Syracuse?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,006/mo in Syracuse, UT. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Syracuse?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $132,459 in Syracuse, UT. Syracuse, UT 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 Syracuse?
Texas has no state income tax. Utah has a top rate of 4.65%.
What salary do I need in Syracuse to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $94,676 in Syracuse, UT (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