Performance
Score Breakdown
Austin
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
42% higher compared to Austin.
Housing costs are a major driver: Austin's average rent is
89% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Austin | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $950 | +89% |
| Groceries | $450 | $342 | +32% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,967 | +42% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 8% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Austin is estimated at
$122,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Austin | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,250 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $122,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,604 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $93,658 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Austin | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Austin.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Austin | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 75.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Austin is the larger city
— approximately 3.8x the population of Toledo.
From a growth perspective, Austin is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Austin has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Austin | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,011,743 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.91% | % |
| Median Age | 34.7 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Austin
Advantages
Austin boasts a robust job market with a 2.1% job growth rate in 2024, outperforming many other major U.S. metros.
The city has a thriving startup ecosystem, ranking #1 for startup growth and business density, with over 7,000 new businesses in 2024.
Austin offers a high quality of life, ranking 15th globally in 2024, supported by its vibrant culture and numerous outdoor activities.
Crime rates in Austin saw significant decreases in the first quarter of 2024, contributing to an improved safety profile.
Several Austin healthcare facilities, including St. David's HealthCare, were recognized among the nation's 100 Top Hospitals in 2024.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Austin is higher than the national average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs for both renters and buyers.
Austin experiences significant traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in transit, indicating high car dependency.
Despite overall high healthcare quality, some Austin-area hospitals received 'C' ratings for safety and quality standards in May 2024.
The median sale price of a home in Austin was $542,000 in May 2026, making homeownership challenging for many.
While public transit exists, Austin's city-wide Walk Score of 42 and Transit Score of 35 indicate that most errands require a car.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Austin
#21Texas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,250
Cost Index
101
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.91%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
74
Business
85
Toledo
#64Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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