Is Austin, TX cheaper than Balch Springs, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 11.4% more expensive than Balch Springs, TX. This translates to spending an extra $854 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Balch Springs, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Balch Springs, TX, you'd need approximately $160,246.565 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Balch Springs, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 46.4% more expensive than in Balch Springs, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,253/month in Balch Springs, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Balch Springs, TX to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $854 more per month than Balch Springs, TX, or $10247 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Balch Springs, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Balch Springs, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Dallas, TX area

Current salary in Balch Springs, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $854/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$854

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.2K

Per year

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

Balch Springs, TX

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$215K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$558K

Balch Springs, TX

The Lone Star State

27K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 27K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Balch Springs, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Balch Springs, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,970/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $915more	46.4%
📦Other	$1,625/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $116more	7.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,188/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $95.91more	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$937/mo	$959/mo	↑ $22.27more	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$589/mo	↓ $16.10less	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$539/mo	$541/mo	↑ $2.43more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 46.4%

Balch Springs, TX

$1,970

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$915

📦Other

↑ 7.2%

Balch Springs, TX

$1,625

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$116

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.1%

Balch Springs, TX

$1,188

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$95.91

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.4%

Balch Springs, TX

$937

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$22.27

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.7%

Balch Springs, TX

$605

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$16.10

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.5%

Balch Springs, TX

$539

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$2.43

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,027

To$1,585

↑ $558

1 Bed

From$1,066

To$1,685

↑ $619

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,995

↑ $742

3 Bed

From$1,580

To$2,525

↑ $945

Balch Springs, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,370–$1,370/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.

$6,863

Monthly in Balch Springs, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,135

Difference

Home Values

Balch Springs

Austin

$215K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -6.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +22.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$215K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 160% more expensive than Balch Springs

Calculate payment - Balch Springs Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Balch Springs, 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

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

Balch Springs, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.