Is Austin, TX cheaper than Salem, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 26.5% cheaper than Salem, MA. This translates to saving $1989 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Salem, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, MA, you'd need approximately $126,133.208 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, MA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.4% cheaper than in Salem, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,047/month in Salem, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Salem, MA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Salem, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1989 per month, or $23867 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, MA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salem, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Salem, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.1K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,989

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Salem, MA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$590K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$558K

Salem, MA

The Bay State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 45K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Salem, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	Salem, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,467/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,582less	35.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,722/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $438less	25.4%
⚡All Utilities	$694/mo	$541/mo	↓ $153less	22.1%
🏥Healthcare	$721/mo	$589/mo	↓ $133less	18.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$959/mo	↓ $87.45less	8.4%
📦Other	$1,717/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $24.41more	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.4%

Salem, MA

$4,467

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,582

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.4%

Salem, MA

$1,722

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$438

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.1%

Salem, MA

$694

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$153

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.4%

Salem, MA

$721

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$133

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Salem, MA

$1,047

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$87.45

less

📦Other

↑ 1.4%

Salem, MA

$1,717

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$24.41

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,631

To$1,585

↓ $46.00

1 Bed

From$1,727

To$1,685

↓ $42.00

2 Bed

From$2,047

To$1,995

↓ $52.00

3 Bed

From$2,463

To$2,525

↑ $62.00

Salem, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,160–$2,160/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,367

Monthly in Salem, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,369

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Austin

$590K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +30.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$590K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 5% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Salem, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Salem, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.