Median rent is 29% lower in Temple ($1,174/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Temple, where the median home runs $220,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $64,945 a year). Taken together, Temple 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 Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Temple is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Temple vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$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
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Temple — median rent of $1,174/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $220,300 in Temple — 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; Temple has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Temple
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Temple if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,174/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Temple?
Temple 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.
How much is rent in Austin vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,174/mo in Temple, TX. Temple, TX has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Temple?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $64,945 in Temple, 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 Temple?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Temple 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, 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