Median rent is 36% lower in Killeen ($1,147/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Killeen, where the median home runs $196,000 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $58,339 a year). Taken together, Killeen is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 113.0 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Killeen is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Killeen vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Killeen, TX
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Killeen, TX?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$92,139
You'd need $17,139 more (23% higher).
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
Killeen
Texas
New York
New York
👥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 Killeen — median rent of $1,147/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $196,000 in Killeen — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Killeen a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Killeen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Killeen.
Pick Killeen if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,147/mo median).
Pick Killeen if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Killeen cheaper than New York?
Killeen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Killeen.
How much is rent in Killeen vs New York?
Median rent is $1,147/mo in Killeen, TX and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Killeen, TX has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Killeen or New York?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen, TX and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 — Killeen or New York?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Killeen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Killeen, TX is equivalent to roughly $122,852 in New York, NY (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