Cost of Living in Austin, TX is
9.1% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Austin, TX increase in 2024? Austin, TX area prices were up 1.2% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Austin, Texas    Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. It is the 1....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Texas's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Austin, TX

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Austin, TX by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-11.9%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
+ 7.4%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
+ 13.0%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 1.1%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
-3.7%

Cost of Living Comparison with Austin, TX

If you move to Austin from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
-77.4%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
-36.1%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
-6.3%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
-3.3%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
-44.0%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
-67.9%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToAustin, TX Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 2.0%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Austin, TX

Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. It is the 11th-most populous city in the United States and the 4th-most populous city in Texas. It is also the fastest growing large city in the United States, the second most populous state capital after Phoenix, Arizona, and the southernmost state capital in the contiguous United States. As of the U.S. Census Bureau's July 1, 2017 estimate, Austin had a population of 950,715 up from 790,491 at the 2010 census. The city is the cultural and economic center ...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Austin, TX

What are the cheapest grocery stores?

Some stores like Fry's offer frequent discounts or loyalty programs that can save you even more at the checkout. Since groceries are an essential part of you cost of living, take advantage of discounts whenever you can. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Austin, TX?

Austin, TX does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Austin, TX?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Austin, Texas to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Is the cost of electricity in Austin, Texas expected to change in the future?

The cost of electricity in Texas has gone up by 1.883% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What kind of child care is available in Austin, Texas and what is the cost?

The estimated average annual cost for child care in Austin, Texas (based on state average), is $8759. This cost is ranked NO. 31 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Austin,TX?

In Austin,TX, my friend pays $1423 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there fun things to in Austin, Texas that are free or don’t cost a lot?

Looks for areas of Austin, Texas where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Austin, TX to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Austin, Texas?

The sales tax for Austin is 6.25%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Is Austin, Texas very congested with traffic?

Overall, the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. Austin, Texas is considered one of the best cities to drive in. In fact, Austin, Texas is ranked 14 out of 100 US cities for ease of driving. Driving here could make commutes shorter and inexpensive, since you won’t be wasting gas and time sitting a traffic all the time. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How long does it take to get to work in Austin, Texas on average?

Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Austin, Texas, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Austin is 35.07 minutes. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Cost of living in Austin, Texas is important, but what about the weather?

The weather in Austin is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Austin is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Austin, Texas. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in Austin, Texas?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in Austin, TX is around $41.25. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall Cost of Living (COL). ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-02-26