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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs New York, NY

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

40.8% New York, NY is more expensive overall
65.3% 65.3% more expensive housing
20.8% 20.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 65.3% more
Austin
118
New York
195
🛒 Groceries 20.8% more
Austin
96
New York
116
🚗 Transportation 32.7% more
Austin
98
New York
130
🏥 Healthcare 18.6% more
Austin
97
New York
115
⚡ Utilities 13.1% more
Austin
99
New York
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX New York, NY Difference
Overall Cost Index10314540.8% more
Housing11819565.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$3,200120.7% more
Median Home Price$425,000$750,00076.5% more
Groceries9611620.8% more
Transportation9813032.7% more
Healthcare9711518.6% more
Utilities9911213.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX New York, NY
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.40%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New York costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in New York to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs New York (145). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
New York5.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
New York2.8%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
New York41 min
Walk Score
Austin41
New York89
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
New York48
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
New York55°F
Population
Austin979,882
New York8,258,035

Moving from Austin to New York?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and New York → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in New York →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → New York vs Portland → New York vs Phoenix → New York vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or New York cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 65.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs New York?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $3,200/month in New York — a difference of about $1,750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or New York?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to New York?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $115,000 in New York. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs New York?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $750,000 in New York — a difference of $325,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while New York averages 1.40%.