Is Austin, TX cheaper than Benicia, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 33.5% cheaper than Benicia, CA. This translates to saving $2514 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Benicia, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Benicia, CA, you'd need approximately $119,837.944 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Benicia, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.2% cheaper than in Benicia, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,019/month in Benicia, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Benicia, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Benicia, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2514 per month, or $30162 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Benicia, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Benicia, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Benicia, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 33.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,514

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.2K

Per year

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

Benicia, CA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$755K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$558K

Benicia, CA

The Golden State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 26K 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: Benicia, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Benicia, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,797/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,913less	50.2%
🚗Transportation	$2,026/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $742less	36.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,123/mo	$959/mo	↓ $164less	14.6%
⚡All Utilities	$434/mo	$541/mo	↑ $107more	24.6%
🏥Healthcare	$684/mo	$589/mo	↓ $95.80less	14.0%
📦Other	$1,760/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $19.36less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.2%

Benicia, CA

$5,797

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,913

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.6%

Benicia, CA

$2,026

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$742

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.6%

Benicia, CA

$1,123

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$164

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.6%

Benicia, CA

$434

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$107

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

Benicia, CA

$684

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$95.80

less

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Benicia, CA

$1,760

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$19.36

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,437

To$1,585

↑ $148

1 Bed

From$1,580

To$1,685

↑ $105

2 Bed

From$2,019

To$1,995

↓ $24.00

3 Bed

From$2,697

To$2,525

↓ $172

Benicia, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$1,980/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.

$11,826

Monthly in Benicia, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,827

Difference

Home Values

Benicia

Austin

$755K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +19.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$755K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 26% less expensive than Benicia

Calculate payment - Benicia Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Benicia, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Benicia, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.