How Much Does It Cost to Live in Austin, TX?

If you’re planning a move to Austin, it’s important to get a sense of what everyday life will cost and ask movers questions before proceeding. From housing prices and healthcare to groceries and transportation, Austin’s overall cost of living is slightly lower than the national average and more affordable than many other fast-growing metro areas, making it one of the best big cities in the U.S. Here's what you can expect.

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Austin?

This fast-growing Texas city is a popular place to move, blending a vibrant music scene with booming job opportunities and warm weather year-round—and the cost of living in Austin is about 3% below the national average, which contributes to it being one of the best places to live in the South. Check out what you can expect to pay for housing, groceries, transportation, and more.

Cost of Housing in Austin

Housing is typically one of the biggest expenses in any city, and Austin is no exception at 3% higher than the national average—however, it's still one of the best cities to buy real estate and invest in an Airbnb. However, taking a closer look at the data table below, there is plenty of room for savings and deals. If you're able to buy a home in the suburbs or near the city center, you can find homes an average of 3% more affordable, though renting an apartment will typically cost a bit more than the U.S. average—by about 17%.

Cost of Utilities in Austin (Monthly)

While housing is a bit more expensive compared to the national average, residents can find savings in their utility bill—which is actually a bit cheaper, on average, from the national rate.

Cost of Groceries in Austin

Austin's food prices are either below the national average or only a few cents over—which, depending on your lifestyle and household, will make it easier for you to maintain a consistent budget. You might find some everyday items, like steak or eggs, are slightly cheaper than elsewhere, while others, such as fresh produce or coffee, may be a bit more expensive. See how common grocery items in Austin compare to the national average in the table below.

Cost of Healthcare in Austin

Healthcare in Austin is typically more affordable compared to other large U.S. cities. Residents generally pay less out-of-pocket for medical services—including routine checkups with doctors being nearly 26% more affordable—and prescription medication. Learn more about what you can expect to pay when it comes to healthcare costs in the table.

Cost of Transportation in Austin

At over 5% more affordable than the U.S. average, transportation costs in Austin will largely depend on your commute style. While Austin is a car-dependent city, it's still pretty walkable. This means that, depending on where you're located, residents can run errands near home or even take advantage of CapMetro's public transit options.

Cost of Goods & Services in Austin

Everyday expenses for goods and services in Austin, TX, do vary in costs—but average out to nearly 8% cheaper. While dining out or catching a movie won’t break the bank, some services like haircuts may cost a bit more. Check out the table below for more detailed pricing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Austin, Texas?

Living expenses in Austin, Texas, are slightly lower than the national average, despite the higher housing costs, making it an affordable place to live. And compared to Dallas and other major cities like San Francisco or New York, Austin a much more affordable place to live! Plus, to save even more money while living in this budget-friendly city, you can buy or rent a home in an affordable Austin neighborhood to offset the cost of housing.

What salary do you need to live in Austin?

To live comfortably in Austin, a good target salary for a single person is around $50,790, while a family with two working adults and two children should aim for a combined salary of $116,676. This allows room for housing, transportation, groceries, and healthcare with a bit left over. With a low unemployment rate and income per capita 50% higher than the national average, Austin is one of the best places for jobs—so residents should be able to find employment that helps them afford their lifestyle. Ultimately, your ideal income will vary depending on your lifestyle and where in Austin you wish to live.

How can renters save money while living in Austin?

Though the average rent is 17% more expensive than the U.S., there are several ways renters can save money while living in Austin. As one of the best places for education and for jobs, ATX is an ideal city for young professionals—and with a majority of residents renting in Austin, it's imperative to find savings where you can. In addition to an affordable average cost of living, as well as city initiatives for full disclosure on fees and prices, renters can seek council from groups like Building and Strengthening Tenant Action and ask further about hidden fees. You can also find great places to rent a home in Austin. Be sure to keep an eye on your budget—lifestyle choices like entertainment, nightlife, and going out to eat vs. cooking at home can impact your weekly spending, so if this is important to you, look for affordable neighborhoods with great nightlife. Many of these areas are walkable neighborhoods where you can run your major errands—or commute easily to work.

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