Is Austin, TX cheaper than Charlottesville, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 8.2% more expensive than Charlottesville, VA. This translates to spending an extra $615 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Charlottesville, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Charlottesville, VA, you'd need approximately $157,385.659 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charlottesville, VA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 32.2% more expensive than in Charlottesville, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,570/month in Charlottesville, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charlottesville, VA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $615 more per month than Charlottesville, VA, or $7386 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charlottesville, VA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Charlottesville, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Richmond, VA area

Current salary in Charlottesville, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $615/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$615

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.4K

Per year

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

Charlottesville, VA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$514K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$558K

Charlottesville, VA

The Old Dominion State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 45K 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: Charlottesville, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Charlottesville, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,182/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $703more	32.2%
📦Other	$1,673/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $67.83more	4.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,222/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $61.78more	5.1%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$589/mo	↓ $27.98less	4.5%
🛒Groceries	$936/mo	$959/mo	↑ $23.36more	2.5%
⚡All Utilities	$560/mo	$541/mo	↓ $18.81less	3.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.2%

Charlottesville, VA

$2,182

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$703

📦Other

↑ 4.1%

Charlottesville, VA

$1,673

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$67.83

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.1%

Charlottesville, VA

$1,222

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$61.78

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Charlottesville, VA

$617

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$27.98

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.5%

Charlottesville, VA

$936

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$23.36

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.4%

Charlottesville, VA

$560

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$18.81

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,222

To$1,585

↑ $363

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,685

↑ $310

2 Bed

From$1,570

To$1,995

↑ $425

3 Bed

From$1,909

To$2,525

↑ $616

Charlottesville, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,700–$1,700/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.

$7,189

Monthly in Charlottesville, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$809

Difference

Home Values

Charlottesville

Austin

$514K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +34.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$514K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 9% more expensive than Charlottesville

Calculate payment - Charlottesville Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Charlottesville, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Charlottesville, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.