City Cost of Living ReportTexas (TX)
Austin, TX Cost of Living
Detailed 2026 economic index for Austin. Compare median home values ($535,000), average monthly rent ($2100/mo), local taxes, groceries, and salary conversion equivalents.
Overall COL Index
112.4
12% above US avgMedian Income$78,965
Median Home Price$535,000
Median Rent$2100/mo
Population974,447
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Cost Index Breakdown vs US Average (100)
Scores above 100 represent higher than national average costs; scores below 100 indicate greater affordability.
US Baseline = 100
Housing Index
+29% higher128.9
Food & Groceries
+3% higher102.5
Utilities
-1% lower99.1
Transportation
+2% higher101.8
Healthcare
-3% lower97.4
Itemized Cost Breakdown in Austin
Monthly Groceries
| Gallon of Whole Milk | $3.40 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | $2.95 |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $3.50 |
| Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb) | $4.10 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.25 |
| Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill | $430/mo |
Utilities & Internet
| Electricity (900 sq ft apartment) | $165.00 |
| Water & Garbage Service | $55.00 |
| High-Speed Broadband Internet (60+ Mbps) | $65.00 |
| Natural Gas Heating | $40.00 |
| Average Monthly Utilities Total | $325/mo |
Transportation & Transit
| Regular Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.10 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $80.00 |
| Taxi Initial Tariff | $3.00 |
| Average Commute Time | 24.8 mins |
| Est. Monthly Commuter Cost | $370/mo |
Healthcare & Medical
| Primary Care Doctor Visit | $125 |
| Dental Checkup & Cleaning | $110 |
| Optometrist Eye Exam | $100 |
| Average Prescription Rx | $50 |
| Individual Policy Monthly Premium | $410/mo |
Tax Structure in Austin, TX
Understanding state income, local sales tax, and effective property tax burden.
State Income Tax
0.00%
No state personal income taxCombined Sales Tax
8.25%
State (6.25%) + Local (2%)Effective Property Tax
1.98%
Est. $10,593/yr on median homeFederal Tax Baseline
US Standard
Standard IRS tax brackets applyAdvertisementSlot #city-mid-rectangle
Interactive Historical Trends & Charts
Housing & Rent Inflation Trend (2020 – 2026)
Category Breakdown vs National Benchmark
Pros of Living in Austin
- •Silicon Hills tech ecosystem with high starting tech salaries
- •No state income tax
- •Renowned music scene, outdoor parks (Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake)
Cons of Living in Austin
- •Housing prices have escalated faster than Texas national baseline
- •Traffic bottlenecks along I-35 corridor
Top Neighborhoods in Austin
South Congress (SoCo)
Iconic avenue lined with boutiques, music venues, and eateries
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2350/mo
East Austin
Rapidly evolving artistic neighborhood with food trucks and craft breweries
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2100/mo
Westlake Hills
Top-tier schools and luxury hill-country living
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$3500/mo
Frequently Asked Questions — Living in Austin, TX
Authoritative 2026 economic index, housing market, and salary questions.
The overall cost of living index for Austin, TX is 112.4, benchmarked against the US national average baseline of 100. This means Austin is 12% more expensive than the national average.