Median rent is 3% lower in New Braunfels ($1,654/mo vs $1,712/mo). Buying is cheaper in New Braunfels, where the median home runs $339,400 versus $486,800. Households earn more in Carmel ($141,505 vs $86,021 a year). Taken together, New Braunfels is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.3 against 94.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Carmel, IN.
City A
Carmel, IN
City B
New Braunfels, TX
How much would you need to earn in New Braunfels, TX to maintain your standard of living from Carmel, IN?
Equivalent salary in New Braunfels, TX
$74,745
You could earn $255 less (0% 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
Carmel
Indiana
New Braunfels
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,712/mo in Carmel and $1,654/mo in New Braunfels. Home buyers face a steeper market in Carmel: the median home is $486,800 versus $339,400 in New Braunfels — 30% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Carmel
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
New Braunfels
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Carmel if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,505/yr).
Is Carmel cheaper than New Braunfels?
New Braunfels is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.3 versus 94.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New Braunfels.
How much is rent in Carmel vs New Braunfels?
Median rent is $1,712/mo in Carmel, IN and $1,654/mo in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, TX has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Carmel or New Braunfels?
Median household income is $141,505 in Carmel, IN and $86,021 in New Braunfels, TX. Carmel, IN 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 — Carmel or New Braunfels?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in New Braunfels to match my Carmel income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Carmel, IN is equivalent to roughly $99,660 in New Braunfels, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
