Is Austin expensive to live in?

Austin is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 107 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 7% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,531, and the median household income is $91,461.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Austin?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $61,240/year to afford median rent in Austin. The median household income is $91,461, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 20%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Austin?

The median rent in Austin is $1,531 per month. Housing costs score 118 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 18% more expensive than the US average.

How does Austin compare to the national average cost of living?

Austin's overall cost index is 107 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (118), food & groceries (105), transportation (102), utilities (99), and healthcare (111). Austin is above average in most categories.

Is Austin, Texas a good place to live?

Austin has a population of 979,882 and a median household income of $91,461. With a cost index of 107, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 20%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Austin?

To find the most affordable cities near Austin in Texas, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Texas state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Austin

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 107

Median rent: $1,531

Median income: $91,461

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About Austin

Living in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 979,882. The overall cost of living index sits at 107, which is above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 7% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Austin. Median rent is $1,531 per month, while the median home price is $500,627. At a median household income of $91,461, rent consumes roughly 20% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 118 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Austin with a sub-index of 111, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 99. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Texas applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.60% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.19%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Austin has trended upward. Among the 40 tracked cities in Texas, Austin ranks #34 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Austin actually costs.

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