Is Austin, TX cheaper than Desert Hot Springs, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 1.8% cheaper than Desert Hot Springs, CA. This translates to saving $135 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Desert Hot Springs, CA, you'd need approximately $148,383.131 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Desert Hot Springs, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 10.4% more expensive than in Desert Hot Springs, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,486/month in Desert Hot Springs, CA.

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

Moving from Desert Hot Springs, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $135 per month, or $1617 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Desert Hot Springs, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Desert Hot Springs, CA — COL adjusted from San Bernardino, CA area + state data

Current salary in Desert Hot Springs, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $135/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$135

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Desert Hot Springs, CA

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$448K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$558K

Desert Hot Springs, CA

The Golden State

33K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 33K 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: Desert Hot Springs, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Desert Hot Springs, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,096/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $812less	38.7%
🏠Housing	$2,612/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $272more	10.4%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $148more	9.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,024/mo	$959/mo	↓ $64.84less	6.3%
🏥Healthcare	$543/mo	$589/mo	↑ $45.19more	8.3%
⚡All Utilities	$549/mo	$541/mo	↓ $8.29less	1.5%

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.7%

Desert Hot Springs, CA

$2,096

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$812

less

🏠Housing

↑ 10.4%

Desert Hot Springs, CA

$2,612

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$272

📦Other

↑ 9.3%

Desert Hot Springs, CA

$1,593

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$148

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.3%

Desert Hot Springs, CA

$1,024

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$64.84

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.3%

Desert Hot Springs, CA

$543

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$45.19

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.5%

Desert Hot Springs, CA

$549

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$8.29

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$991

To$1,585

↑ $594

1 Bed

From$1,156

To$1,685

↑ $529

2 Bed

From$1,486

To$1,995

↑ $509

3 Bed

From$2,064

To$2,525

↑ $461

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.

$8,418

Monthly in Desert Hot Springs, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$420

Difference

Home Values

Desert Hot Springs

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

Desert Hot Springs, 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

Desert Hot Springs, 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.