Is Austin, TX cheaper than Berkeley, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 35.7% cheaper than Berkeley, CA. This translates to saving $2681 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Berkeley, CA, you'd need approximately $117,826.049 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 51.9% cheaper than in Berkeley, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,304/month in Berkeley, CA.

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

Moving from Berkeley, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2681 per month, or $32174 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Berkeley, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 35.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,681

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.2K

Per year

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

Berkeley, CA

Population:119K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.14M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$558K

Berkeley, CA

The Golden State

119K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 119K 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: Berkeley, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Berkeley, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,999/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,114less	51.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,097/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $813less	38.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,143/mo	$959/mo	↓ $183less	16.0%
🏥Healthcare	$696/mo	$589/mo	↓ $108less	15.5%
⚡All Utilities	$442/mo	$541/mo	↑ $99.31more	22.5%
📦Other	$1,822/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $80.61less	4.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.9%

Berkeley, CA

$5,999

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,114

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.8%

Berkeley, CA

$2,097

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$813

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.0%

Berkeley, CA

$1,143

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$183

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.5%

Berkeley, CA

$696

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$108

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.5%

Berkeley, CA

$442

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$99.31

📦Other

↓ 4.4%

Berkeley, CA

$1,822

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$80.61

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,693

To$1,585

↓ $108

1 Bed

From$1,887

To$1,685

↓ $202

2 Bed

From$2,304

To$1,995

↓ $309

3 Bed

From$2,944

To$2,525

↓ $419

Berkeley, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,020–$2,580/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.

$12,198

Monthly in Berkeley, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,199

Difference

Home Values

Berkeley

Austin

$1.14M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↓ -0.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$967K - $1.87M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 51% less expensive than Berkeley

Calculate payment - Berkeley 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

Berkeley, 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

Berkeley, 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.