Austin and Brooklyn cater to different lifestyles and priorities. Austin offers a thriving job market (especially in tech), a generally lower cost of living (though still above the national average), and a warmer climate. Brooklyn, on the other hand, provides access to the broader New York City metropolitan area, a more established public transportation system, and a vibrant cultural scene, but at a significantly higher cost of living and potentially lower safety depending on the neighborhood.
| Attribute | Austin, Texas | Brooklyn, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Slightly lower to slightly higher than the national average. Housing expenses are about 3-4% higher than the national average. Recommended annual income for a single adult: $59,712 - $70,000. | Significantly higher than the national average. 61% higher than the U.S. average. Estimated monthly costs for a family of four (excluding rent): $5,702.3. Estimated monthly costs for a single person (excluding rent): $1,546.0. Recommended annual salary for a single adult: $101,592. Average monthly rent: $4,541. |
| Job Market | Thriving, particularly in tech, healthcare, and creative industries. Key employers: Dell Technologies, Apple, Ascension Texas, H-E-B. Unemployment rate: 3.2%. | Not available |
| Public Transportation | Capital Metro (CapMetro): Bus routes, MetroRapid, MetroRail. Single bus ride: $1.25. Day pass: $2.50. MetroRail ride: $3.50. | Extensive public transportation system, including NYC Subway and buses. Average one-way commute: 42.4 minutes. |
| Walkability | Mixed. Overall walk score: 40 (33rd in the nation). Most walkable neighborhoods: Downtown Austin (90), West University (92), University of Texas area (89). | Not available |
| Safety | Generally considered a safe city compared to other major U.S. cities. Crime rates are relatively low compared to other major Texas cities. West part of the city is generally considered the safest. | Ranks in the 44th percentile for safety. Crime rate: 26.15 per 1,000 residents. Safety varies by neighborhood. |
| School Quality | Not available | Diverse array of 573 schools. Significant disparities in academic performance. Standout schools include Brooklyn Technical High School, Success Academy Charter School-Crown Heights and The Emily Warren Roebling School. |
| Cultural Scene | Known for its eclectic culture, live music, and arts scene. Hosts events like SXSW and ACL. Various museums, theaters, and historical sites. | Known for its vibrant culture. Many music venues, including House of Yes and Elsewhere. |
| Green Spaces | Numerous parks and green spaces, including Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Lady Bird Lake. Zilker Park spans 350 acres. Barton Creek Greenbelt offers hiking trails and swimming holes. | Numerous green spaces, including Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and community gardens. |
| Housing Options | Variety of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and condos. Architectural styles include Queen Anne, Craftsman, Spanish and Mediterranean, and contemporary. | Apartments and single-family homes. |
| Nightlife | Known for its nightlife, particularly around 6th Street and Rainey Street. Numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. | Diverse nightlife scene with nightclubs like Schimanski, Avant Gardner, Brooklyn Mirage, and House of Yes. |
| Climate | Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average daily temperature: 70°F (21.1°C). Warmest month: August. Coldest month: January. | Temperate climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Average high in summer: 85°F (29°C). Average low in winter: 27°F (-3°C). Average annual precipitation: 45 inches (114 cm). |