Is Austin, TX cheaper than Alexandria, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.9% more expensive than Alexandria, LA. This translates to spending an extra $1042 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Alexandria, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, LA, you'd need approximately $162,503.837 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, LA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 51.3% more expensive than in Alexandria, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $828/month in Alexandria, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, LA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $1042 more per month than Alexandria, LA, or $12504 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, LA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Alexandria, LA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baton Rouge, LA area

Current salary in Alexandria, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,042

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alexandria, LA

Population:43K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$98K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:114

Median Home:$558K

Alexandria, LA

The Pelican State

43K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 43K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, LA vs Austin, TX

Category	Alexandria, LA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,906/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $979more	51.3%
🏥Healthcare	$469/mo	$589/mo	↑ $119more	25.4%
⚡All Utilities	$485/mo	$541/mo	↑ $56.15more	11.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,235/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $48.69more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$966/mo	$959/mo	↓ $6.98less	0.7%
📦Other	$1,747/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $5.84less	0.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 51.3%

Alexandria, LA

$1,906

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$979

🏥Healthcare

↑ 25.4%

Alexandria, LA

$469

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$119

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.6%

Alexandria, LA

$485

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$56.15

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Alexandria, LA

$1,235

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$48.69

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.7%

Alexandria, LA

$966

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$6.98

less

📦Other

↓ 0.3%

Alexandria, LA

$1,747

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$5.84

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$608

To$1,585

↑ $977

1 Bed

From$650

To$1,685

↑ $1,035

2 Bed

From$828

To$1,995

↑ $1,167

3 Bed

From$1,115

To$2,525

↑ $1,410

Alexandria, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $710–$910/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,809

Monthly in Alexandria, LA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,190

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Austin

$98K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↓ -5.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$83K - $220K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 471% more expensive than Alexandria

Calculate payment - Alexandria Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$646

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.2%

Rate difference

Alexandria, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.