Is Austin, TX cheaper than Brookline, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 27.1% cheaper than Brookline, MA. This translates to saving $2032 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brookline, MA, you'd need approximately $125,610.416 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.9% cheaper than in Brookline, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,499/month in Brookline, MA.

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

Moving from Brookline, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2032 per month, or $24390 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brookline, MA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brookline, MA — COL adjusted from Boston, MA area + state data

Current salary in Brookline, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.6K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 27.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,032

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.4K

Per year

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

Brookline, MA

Population:63K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$558K

Brookline, MA

The Bay State

63K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 63K 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: Brookline, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	Brookline, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,502/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,618less	35.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,736/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $452less	26.0%
⚡All Utilities	$697/mo	$541/mo	↓ $156less	22.4%
🏥Healthcare	$724/mo	$589/mo	↓ $135less	18.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,051/mo	$959/mo	↓ $91.61less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,730/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $10.73more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.9%

Brookline, MA

$4,502

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,618

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.0%

Brookline, MA

$1,736

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$452

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.4%

Brookline, MA

$697

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$156

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.7%

Brookline, MA

$724

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$135

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Brookline, MA

$1,051

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$91.61

less

📦Other

↑ 0.6%

Brookline, MA

$1,730

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$10.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,733

To$1,585

↓ $148

1 Bed

From$2,015

To$1,685

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$2,499

To$1,995

↓ $504

3 Bed

From$3,224

To$2,525

↓ $699

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.

$10,440

Monthly in Brookline, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,442

Difference

Home Values

Brookline

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

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Brookline, 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

Brookline, 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.