Austin, Texas and Central Contra Costa, California each present unique opportunities and advantages for residents and visitors alike. Austin, the capital city of Texas, is known for its vibrant live music scene, exciting technology industries, and youthful vibe. Central Contra Costa, on the other hand, offers quieter suburban living with proximity to the bustling San Francisco Bay Area. Its strong school system, natural beauty, and stability offer a different kind of appeal. The following comparison provides a comprehensive overview of several factors that might influence a decision between the two, including crime rates, weather patterns, cost of living, and cultural aspects, among others.
Crime rates in both areas are relatively comparable with Austin having slightly higher rates. Although Austin has seen some recent increases in certain types of crime, it still falls below the average crime rate in major US cities. On the other hand, Central Contra Costa County reports lower crime rates overall, but it does experience variations between different towns and neighborhoods.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is substantially higher in Central Contra Costa than in Austin. Everything from housing, groceries, to healthcare is more expensive in Contra Costa. Austin, while not cheap, is significantly more affordable than much of California.
Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, delivering a significant financial benefit to residents over California, which has one of the highest state income taxes in the US.
Property Tax
While Texas has no income tax, it does have higher property taxes. In contrast, property taxes in Central Contra Costa tend to be lower but home values can be significantly higher.
Sales Tax
Austin residents face a sales tax rate of 8.25%, while those in Central Contra Costa pay a slightly higher rate due to California's higher state sales tax rate.
Income
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
139.1
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $72,147 in Central Contra Costa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is centrally located in Texas, characterized by its rolling hills and the Colorado River. Central Contra Costa is characterized by a mix of suburban communities, green spaces, and rolling hills with proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the metropolitan regions of the Bay Area.
Geographical information
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Land area
251.5 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
3,833.4 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Austin, TX Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
Both regions have strong school systems. Austin has numerous high-ranking public and private schools, as well as noteworthy higher-education institutions like the University of Texas. Central Contra Costa also offers robust public and private education and is close to prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley.
Austin's economy is thriving, with a strong base in technology, music, and entertainment sectors. Central Contra Costa, part of the larger Bay Area, has a strong economy driven by diverse industries including technology, healthcare, and finance.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, the biggest employers are the State of Texas, the University of Texas, and Dell Technologies. Central Contra Costa County's largest employers include Chevron Corporation, John Muir Health, and Safeway.
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
2020
71.7%
71.8%
26.5%
26.4%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
65.8%
67.5%
27.2%
24.5%
7.0%
8.0%
2012
60.2%
66.2%
36.2%
31.1%
3.6%
2.7%
2008
63.8%
68.0%
34.4%
30.2%
1.8%
1.8%
2004
56.1%
62.6%
42.1%
36.7%
1.8%
0.7%
2000
41.7%
59.0%
47.0%
37.2%
11.3%
3.8%
1996
52.4%
55.7%
40.0%
35.2%
7.7%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
21.8%
4.5%
5.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
1.3%
22.8%
10.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.5%
2.8%
2.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
1.0%
0.7%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.5%
2.5%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.2%
2.1%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.0%
1.5%
Weather
Weather varies distinctly between the two locations. Austin boasts a hot summer, mild winter climate with high temperatures especially in summer months. Central Contra Costa has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, although its proximity to the Bay can lead to cooler temperatures, fog, and breezy conditions.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Austin
Central Contra Costa
2018
76
105
N/A
0.32
4.9
6.9
26.7
22.1
0.012
N/A
8.7
13.3
0.2
0.6
2017
76
102
N/A
0.30
4.6
7.0
29.7
25.9
0.008
N/A
8.3
11.9
0.3
0.7
2016
71
86
N/A
0.28
4.2
6.5
29.5
25.2
0.005
N/A
8.2
6.5
0.2
0.8
2015
78
94
N/A
0.34
4.4
7.6
28.9
25.8
0.004
N/A
8.6
8.8
0.3
0.5
2014
74
95
N/A
0.35
5.2
7.8
28.3
25.2
0.005
N/A
8.7
6.9
0.5
0.5
2013
78
93
0.09
0.34
5.5
9.3
29.5
21.5
0.004
N/A
8.6
7.8
0.5
0.5
2012
86
93
0.13
0.32
5.5
8.5
30.1
25.2
0.003
N/A
8.6
8.3
N/A
0.3
2011
83
99
0.11
0.35
2.6
9.0
33.0
23.0
0.003
N/A
9.1
9.8
N/A
0.6
2010
77
93
0.05
0.31
3.2
8.6
29.4
23.2
0.014
N/A
8.8
8.5
N/A
0.5
2009
76
104
0.05
0.31
2.6
9.5
29.7
23.7
0.006
N/A
9.0
10.3
N/A
0.6
2008
81
120
0.12
0.36
3.2
10.2
30.7
26.1
0.006
N/A
9.7
12.1
N/A
0.8
2007
82
104
0.12
0.36
3.1
10.7
27.1
24.1
0.006
N/A
9.8
9.7
N/A
0.7
2006
89
109
0.14
0.39
3.8
10.9
31.3
26.0
N/A
N/A
10.0
11.1
0.2
0.8
2005
92
104
0.15
0.43
4.4
11.6
29.0
22.7
N/A
N/A
10.7
10.4
0.2
1.0
2004
74
112
0.16
0.46
3.3
12.4
26.8
22.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
1.1
2003
85
84
0.26
0.51
4.2
13.4
28.9
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
0.7
2002
83
88
0.33
0.51
3.9
14.7
27.2
23.3
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2001
83
90
0.31
0.56
4.2
15.4
25.5
22.1
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2000
86
95
0.28
0.67
4.7
15.9
27.8
20.8
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
18%
Transportation
Austin predominantly relies on car-based transportation. However, it also has a growing public transit system. Central Contra Costa has access to the Bay Area's extensive public transit networks, including BART and AC Transit.
Transport
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
0.8%
0.5%
Bus
1.5%
1%
Carpooled
7.9%
9.9%
Car alone
85.9%
72.3%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.8%
Subway
0%
7.7%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Average
29.9 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Central Contra Costa are among the highest in the nation, reflecting the general trend in California. Despite its recent growth, Austin's real estate market is more reasonably priced.
Neighborhoods
Austin's neighborhoods offer a mix of suburban and urban living options, and the city is known for its youthful, vibrant atmosphere. Central Contra Costa covers multiple municipalities and neighborhoods, offering a variety of suburban living options.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
Houses
469,156
183,777
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.5
Renting percentage
54.9%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
703.4
Household income disparities
44.8%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
22,217
State government workers
46,229
6,705
Unpaid family workers
102
617
Industries and Occupations
Ranked as a top city for tech jobs, Austin is known for its technology, music, and entertainment industries. The Central Contra Costa region, while more residential, offers access to a variety of industries in the wider Bay Area.
Both regions have robust healthcare sectors. Austin has several top-rated hospitals and health networks, while Central Contra Costa benefits from proximity to world-class healthcare organizations in the Bay Area.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin's infrastructure is quickly developing to accommodate its growth, with significant development in its downtown area. Central Contra Costa has well-established infrastructure, benefitting from its proximity to San Francisco.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
20
24
Culture and Food
Austin’s vibrant culture includes a renowned live music scene, festivals like SXSW, and a plethora of diverse food options ranging from BBQ to global cuisines. Central Contra Costa has a more suburban culture but with access to the diverse food and cultural opportunities of the Bay Area.
Sports Teams
Austin is home to the University of Texas Longhorns and Austin FC (Major League Soccer). Central Contra Costa residents have access to the Bay Area's numerous professional sports teams including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers, and Oakland Raiders.
Austin, TX
Central Contra Costa, CA
Austin, TX and 
Central Contra Costa, CA : 1,481.0 miles
