Median rent is 6% lower in Troy ($1,557/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Troy, where the median home runs $396,800 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Troy ($119,299 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Troy is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 98.8 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Troy, MI.
Quick verdict
Troy is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.6 in Troy vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Troy, MI
How much would you need to earn in Troy, MI to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Troy, MI
$73,309
You could earn $1,691 less (2% 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
Troy
Michigan
👥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 Troy at $1,557/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $396,800 in Troy — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Michigan tops out at 4.25% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Michigan; Troy has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Troy
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Troy.
Pick Troy if you prioritize higher median household income ($119,299/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Troy?
Troy is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Troy.
How much is rent in Austin vs Troy?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,557/mo in Troy, MI. Troy, MI has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Troy?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $119,299 in Troy, MI. Troy, MI 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 Troy?
Texas has no state income tax. Michigan has a top rate of 4.25%.
What salary do I need in Troy to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $97,745 in Troy, MI (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