Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,705 in New York versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Texas runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $79,713 in New York and $67,043 in Texas — about 16% higher in New York. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6.25%
+2.3 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
None
+10.9 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,705
$1,170
+31% in New York
Median Home Value
$751,700
$264,900
+65% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$79,713
$67,043
+16% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
55.0°F
67.2°F
+12.2°F in Texas
New York vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Texas?
- Texas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,170 runs about 31% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York than in Texas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $68,000 a year in New York versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Texas?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/8 cities we track in New York/Texas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.