Median rent is 34% lower in Temple ($1,174/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Temple, where the median home runs $220,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $64,945 a year). Taken together, Temple is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 113.0 — about 19% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Temple is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Temple vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$61,049
You could earn $13,951 less (19% 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
New York
New York
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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $220,300 in Temple — 71% 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 Temple a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.25% in Texas; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Temple
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple 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 Temple if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,174/mo median).
Pick Temple if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is New York cheaper than Temple?
Temple 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 Temple.
How much is rent in New York vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,174/mo in Temple, TX. Temple, TX has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Temple?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $64,945 in Temple, TX. 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 — New York or Temple?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Temple to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $81,399 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