Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Austin is 70% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,655/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 28%
$91,461/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 28%
$512,700 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 33%
967,862
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $25,934/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Tyler — common questions

Is Austin or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Tyler?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Tyler?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $25,934/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Tyler

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Tyler vs. Riverview Tyler vs. Tuscaloosa Tyler vs. Dearborn Tyler vs. Allen Tyler vs. Sparks Tyler vs. New York