Kept

City vs city

Austin vs Nashville

$100,000 in Austin buys a lifestyle closer to $94,000 in Nashville, because Nashville's cost-of-living index is 112 versus 119.

Austin

No state income tax. Rents fell from the 2022 peak but remain above most Texas metros.

COL index
119
Typical 1-bed
$1,650/mo
Comfortable salary
$101,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Austin guide

Nashville

No state income tax. Music, healthcare, and inbound moves lifted rents.

COL index
112
Typical 1-bed
$1,750/mo
Comfortable salary
$95,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Nashville guide

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