Median rent is 19% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Temple City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 98.8 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple City, CA.
Quick verdict
Temple City is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Temple City vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$69,808
You could earn $5,192 less (7% 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
Temple City
California
👥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 $2,034/mo in Temple City (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $512,700 in Austin — 45% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Temple City.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/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 Temple City?
Temple City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Temple City.
How much is rent in Austin vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Temple City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, CA 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 Temple City?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Temple City to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $93,078 in Temple City, CA (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