Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Austin is 70% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,655/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 33%
$91,461/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 44%
$512,700 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 57%
$1,747/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 27%
967,862
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $40,122/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Springfield — common questions

Is Austin or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Springfield?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Springfield?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $40,122/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Springfield details →

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