Is Austin, TX cheaper than Bowie, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 28.4% cheaper than Bowie, MD. This translates to saving $2127 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Bowie, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Bowie, MD, you'd need approximately $124,470.699 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bowie, MD and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 45.4% cheaper than in Bowie, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,428/month in Bowie, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bowie, MD to Austin, TX?

Moving from Bowie, MD to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2127 per month, or $25529 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bowie, MD vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bowie, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in Bowie, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,127

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.5K

Per year

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

Bowie, MD

Population:57K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$526K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$558K

Bowie, MD

The Old Line State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 57K 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: Bowie, MD vs Austin, TX

Category	Bowie, MD	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,288/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,403less	45.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,783/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $499less	28.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,050/mo	$959/mo	↓ $90.35less	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$494/mo	$541/mo	↑ $46.71more	9.4%
🏥Healthcare	$615/mo	$589/mo	↓ $26.06less	4.2%
📦Other	$1,726/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $14.90more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.4%

Bowie, MD

$5,288

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,403

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.0%

Bowie, MD

$1,783

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$499

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.6%

Bowie, MD

$1,050

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$90.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.4%

Bowie, MD

$494

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$46.71

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.2%

Bowie, MD

$615

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$26.06

less

📦Other

↑ 0.9%

Bowie, MD

$1,726

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$14.90

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Bowie, MD: Prince George's County Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,111

To$1,585

↓ $526

1 Bed

From$2,175

To$1,685

↓ $490

2 Bed

From$2,428

To$1,995

↓ $433

3 Bed

From$3,068

To$2,525

↓ $543

Bowie, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,480–$2,930/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.

$10,956

Monthly in Bowie, MD

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,957

Difference

Home Values

Bowie

Austin

$526K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +21.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$480K - $572K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 6% more expensive than Bowie

Calculate payment - Bowie Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$605

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

Bowie, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Bowie, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.