Is Austin, TX cheaper than Brentwood, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 7.3% cheaper than Brentwood, CA. This translates to saving $547 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brentwood, CA, you'd need approximately $143,438.52 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 5.4% cheaper than in Brentwood, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,587/month in Brentwood, CA.

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

Moving from Brentwood, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $547 per month, or $6561 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brentwood, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Stockton, CA area

Current salary in Brentwood, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $547/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$547

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

Per year

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

Brentwood, CA

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$781K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$558K

Brentwood, CA

The Golden State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 65K 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: Brentwood, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Brentwood, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,050/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $166less	5.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,425/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $141less	9.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,071/mo	$959/mo	↓ $111less	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$493/mo	$589/mo	↑ $95.32more	19.3%
📦Other	$1,698/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $42.87more	2.5%
⚡All Utilities	$521/mo	$541/mo	↑ $19.99more	3.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 5.4%

Brentwood, CA

$3,050

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$166

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.9%

Brentwood, CA

$1,425

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$141

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.4%

Brentwood, CA

$1,071

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$111

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.3%

Brentwood, CA

$493

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$95.32

📦Other

↑ 2.5%

Brentwood, CA

$1,698

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$42.87

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.8%

Brentwood, CA

$521

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$19.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,905

To$1,585

↓ $320

1 Bed

From$2,119

To$1,685

↓ $434

2 Bed

From$2,587

To$1,995

↓ $592

3 Bed

From$3,309

To$2,525

↓ $784

Brentwood, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,580–$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.

$8,258

Monthly in Brentwood, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$260

Difference

Home Values

Brentwood

Austin

$781K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$781K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 29% less expensive than Brentwood

Calculate payment - Brentwood 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

Brentwood, 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

Brentwood, 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.