Is Austin, TX cheaper than Brea, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 30.3% cheaper than Brea, CA. This translates to saving $2273 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brea, CA, you'd need approximately $122,722.934 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.4% cheaper than in Brea, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,162/month in Brea, CA.

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

Moving from Brea, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2273 per month, or $27277 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brea, CA — COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area + state data

Current salary in Brea, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,273

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.3K

Per year

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

Brea, CA

Population:48K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$558K

Brea, CA

The Golden State

48K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 48K 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: Brea, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Brea, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,185/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,300less	44.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,071/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $787less	38.0%
📦Other	$1,655/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $86.24more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,018/mo	$959/mo	↓ $58.78less	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$540/mo	$589/mo	↑ $48.40more	9.0%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$541/mo	↓ $5.04less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.4%

Brea, CA

$5,185

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,300

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.0%

Brea, CA

$2,071

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$787

less

📦Other

↑ 5.2%

Brea, CA

$1,655

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$86.24

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Brea, CA

$1,018

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$58.78

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Brea, CA

$540

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$48.40

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Brea, CA

$546

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.04

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,428

To$1,585

↑ $157

1 Bed

From$1,672

To$1,685

↑ $13.00

2 Bed

From$2,162

To$1,995

↓ $167

3 Bed

From$3,100

To$2,525

↓ $575

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.

$11,015

Monthly in Brea, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,017

Difference

Home Values

Brea

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

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

Brea, 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

Brea, 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.