Kept

City vs city

New York City vs Austin

$100,000 in New York City buys a lifestyle closer to $71,000 in Austin, because Austin's cost-of-living index is 119 versus 168.

New York City

The highest-density job market in the US, with NYC local income tax on top of New York State tax.

COL index
168
Typical 1-bed
$3,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$143,000
$100k take-home
$70,090
Full New York City 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 San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diegovs Irvine