Kept

City vs city

Boston vs Austin

$100,000 in Boston buys a lifestyle closer to $79,000 in Austin, because Austin's cost-of-living index is 119 versus 151.

Boston

Education, hospitals, and biotech keep wages and rents high.

COL index
151
Typical 1-bed
$2,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$128,000
$100k take-home
$74,400
Full Boston guide

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

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego