UX / UI Designer Salary in Austin vs. Houston
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for UX / UI Designers moving between Austin, Texas and Houston, Texas.
Moving from Austin to Houston
Moving from Austin to Houston yields an estimated 13.3% increase in real purchasing power after taxes and living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 23% cheaper in Houston (median 1-bed: $1,350/mo vs $1,650/mo in Austin).
- Taxes: Both Austin and Houston have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $118,500 in Houston provides an estimated 13.3% higher standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $121,000 in Austin.
Adjust Your Austin Salary
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Median for UX / UI Designer in Austin: $121,000
-13.6% ($16,400 difference) to match living standards.
✓ Market pay exceeds break-even by $13,900
UX / UI Designer Salary Percentiles: Austin vs. Houston
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Austin Base | Houston Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $73,500 | $72,000 | -2% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $93,000 | $91,000 | -2% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $121,000 | $118,500 | -2.1% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $153,500 | $150,500 | -2% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $189,000 | $185,500 | -2% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Austin (TX)State Tax: 0%
Houston (TX)State Tax: 0%
* Note: Tax estimations are based on standard single filer brackets and effective statutory rates. Actual tax obligations depend on filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and local municipal withholdings.
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Find Apartments in Houston
Explore 1-bed rentals in Houston (median: $1,350/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
Why relocate when you can earn top-tier Houston salaries working 100% remotely from anywhere?
- Curated remote UX / UI Designer openings
- Standardized global/US compensation
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Austin, Texas
Known as Silicon Hills, Austin offers a booming tech ecosystem with zero state income tax, making it a prime destination for remote and hybrid tech workers.
Houston, Texas
A diverse global powerhouse with zero state income tax, affordable real estate, and booming energy transition and aerospace sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions: UX / UI Designer (Austin vs. Houston)
How much does a UX / UI Designer make in Austin vs. Houston?
In Austin, the median salary for a UX / UI Designer is $121,000 per year (range: $93,000 - $153,500). In Houston, the median salary is $118,500 per year (range: $91,000 - $150,500), representing a -2.1% compensation difference.
What salary in Houston equals a $121,000 salary in Austin?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $121,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn approximately $104,600 in Houston, due to the 13.6% lower cost of living in Houston.
Is it more expensive to live in Austin or Houston?
Austin is more expensive overall. Houston has a Cost of Living Index of 102 compared to 118 for Austin. Housing is 23% cheaper in Houston (median 1-bed: $1,350/mo vs $1,650/mo in Austin).
How do state income taxes compare between Austin (TX) and Houston (TX)?
Both Austin and Houston have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary. Austin has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 0%, while Houston has an estimated rate of 0%.
What are average rental costs in Austin vs. Houston?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Austin is approximately $1,650/month, compared to $1,350/month in Houston.
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