Side by side

Austin vs Asheville

Asheville wins on more metrics — 3–4 on the 8 core metrics we track. Detail below.

Metric

Austin

Asheville

Cost of living

B vs A: -16%

62✓

Rent · 1BR center

B vs A: -17%

$1,750

$1,450✓

Effective tax (remote)

B vs A: +15%

20%✓

23%

Healthcare

B vs A: ≈ same

Safety

B vs A: +9%

70✓

Internet

B vs A: -36%

280✓

180

Climate

B vs A: +9%

85✓

Freedom

B vs A: -9%

88✓

No-state-income-tax tech hub. Rents have cooled from 2022 peak but live music, BBQ, and outdoor culture endure.

Blue Ridge Mountain charm with a thriving arts, food, and remote-worker scene. Cheaper than Denver, four real seasons.