Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Austin, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 3.3% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Phoenix, AZ?

Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.56/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Austin, TX	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $96.15less	3.3%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $63.61less	3.7%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$561/mo	↑ $20.22more	3.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

🏠Housing

↓ 3.3%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$96.15

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$63.61

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.7%

Austin, TX

$541

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$20.22

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Austin, TX

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$589

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,390

↓ $195

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,510

↓ $175

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,750

↓ $245

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,330

↓ $195

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$69.35

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Phoenix

$558K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 26% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.