Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Austin is 13% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,655/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 3%
$91,461/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 24%
$512,700 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 28%
$1,747/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 5%
967,862
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $22,200/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Austin or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $22,200/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View West Palm Beach details →

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