Is Austin, TX cheaper than Cathedral City, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 3.2% cheaper than Cathedral City, CA. This translates to saving $237 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Cathedral City, CA, you'd need approximately $147,156.728 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 8.9% more expensive than in Cathedral City, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,791/month in Cathedral City, CA.

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

Moving from Cathedral City, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $237 per month, or $2843 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cathedral City, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Cathedral City, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Bernardino, CA area

Current salary in Cathedral City, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $237/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.2K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$237

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.8K

Per year

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

Cathedral City, CA

Population:52K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$477K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Cathedral City, CA

The Golden State

52K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 52K 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: Cathedral City, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Cathedral City, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,125/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $841less	39.6%
🏠Housing	$2,649/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $236more	8.9%
📦Other	$1,616/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $125more	7.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,031/mo	$959/mo	↓ $72.02less	7.0%
🏥Healthcare	$547/mo	$589/mo	↑ $41.38more	7.6%
⚡All Utilities	$553/mo	$541/mo	↓ $12.14less	2.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 39.6%

Cathedral City, CA

$2,125

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$841

less

🏠Housing

↑ 8.9%

Cathedral City, CA

$2,649

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$236

📦Other

↑ 7.8%

Cathedral City, CA

$1,616

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$125

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.0%

Cathedral City, CA

$1,031

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$72.02

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.6%

Cathedral City, CA

$547

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$41.38

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.2%

Cathedral City, CA

$553

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$12.14

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,381

To$1,585

↑ $204

1 Bed

From$1,448

To$1,685

↑ $237

2 Bed

From$1,791

To$1,995

↑ $204

3 Bed

From$2,369

To$2,525

↑ $156

Cathedral City, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$1,730/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.

$8,522

Monthly in Cathedral City, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$523

Difference

Home Values

Cathedral City

Austin

$477K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -4.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$477K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 17% more expensive than Cathedral City

Calculate payment - Cathedral City 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

Cathedral City, 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

Cathedral City, 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.