Living will definately be cheaper there, but income may be lower as well. It's a great town with an energetic feel to it. The University of Texas is there along with many music venues. They call themselves the Live Music Capital of the World. They are also the state capital so lots of goings on because of that.
The weather will be calmer than NYC. Some cold, occasional snow, but nothing lasts very long.
Sorry he will be so far away - that's always hard! - but now you have a place to stay when you visit the Great State of Texas. :)