Is Austin, TX cheaper than Castro Valley, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 34.9% cheaper than Castro Valley, CA. This translates to saving $2618 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Castro Valley, CA, you'd need approximately $118,588.803 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 51.3% cheaper than in Castro Valley, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,690/month in Castro Valley, CA.

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

Moving from Castro Valley, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2618 per month, or $31411 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Castro Valley, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Castro Valley, CA — COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area + state data

Current salary in Castro Valley, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.6K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,618

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.4K

Per year

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

Castro Valley, CA

Population:66K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$575K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$558K

Castro Valley, CA

The Golden State

66K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 66K 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: Castro Valley, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Castro Valley, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,921/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,036less	51.3%
🚗Transportation	$2,070/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $786less	38.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,135/mo	$959/mo	↓ $176less	15.5%
🏥Healthcare	$692/mo	$589/mo	↓ $103less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$439/mo	$541/mo	↑ $102more	23.3%
📦Other	$1,798/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $56.90less	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.3%

Castro Valley, CA

$5,921

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,036

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.0%

Castro Valley, CA

$2,070

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$786

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.5%

Castro Valley, CA

$1,135

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$176

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

Castro Valley, CA

$692

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$103

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.3%

Castro Valley, CA

$439

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$102

📦Other

↓ 3.2%

Castro Valley, CA

$1,798

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$56.90

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,793

To$1,585

↓ $208

1 Bed

From$2,119

To$1,685

↓ $434

2 Bed

From$2,690

To$1,995

↓ $695

3 Bed

From$3,912

To$2,525

↓ $1,387

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.

$12,054

Monthly in Castro Valley, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,055

Difference

Home Values

Castro Valley

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

Castro Valley, 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

Castro Valley, 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.