Is Austin, TX cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 30.9% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2315 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $122,214.765 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 45.3% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Boston, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2315 per month, or $27785 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,315

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.8K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$558K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	Boston, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,391less	45.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $546less	29.9%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$541/mo	↓ $175less	24.4%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$589/mo	↓ $155less	20.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.3%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,391

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$546

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 24.4%

Boston, MA

$716

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$175

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.8%

Boston, MA

$743

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$155

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$120

less

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$83.70

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,585

↓ $1,510

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,685

↓ $1,570

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,995

↓ $1,870

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,525

↓ $2,105

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,471

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Austin

$961K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 42% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.