Is Austin, TX cheaper than DeSoto, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.5% more expensive than DeSoto, TX. This translates to spending an extra $711 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in DeSoto, TX, you'd need approximately $158,527.556 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between DeSoto, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 43.9% more expensive than in DeSoto, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,109/month in DeSoto, TX.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $711 more per month than DeSoto, TX, or $8528 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

DeSoto, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 DeSoto, TX — COL adjusted from Dallas, TX area + state data

Current salary in DeSoto, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $711/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$711

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.5K

Per year

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

DeSoto, TX

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$558K

DeSoto, TX

The Lone Star State

56K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 56K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: DeSoto, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	DeSoto, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,004/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $880more	43.9%
📦Other	$1,653/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $88.00more	5.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,209/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $75.18more	6.2%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$589/mo	↓ $21.35less	3.5%
🛒Groceries	$945/mo	$959/mo	↑ $14.13more	1.5%
⚡All Utilities	$543/mo	$541/mo	↓ $2.25less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 43.9%

DeSoto, TX

$2,004

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$880

📦Other

↑ 5.3%

DeSoto, TX

$1,653

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$88.00

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.2%

DeSoto, TX

$1,209

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$75.18

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

DeSoto, TX

$610

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$21.35

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.5%

DeSoto, TX

$945

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$14.13

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.4%

DeSoto, TX

$543

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$2.25

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$752

To$1,585

↑ $833

1 Bed

From$871

To$1,685

↑ $814

2 Bed

From$1,109

To$1,995

↑ $886

3 Bed

From$1,504

To$2,525

↑ $1,021

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.

$6,965

Monthly in DeSoto, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,034

Difference

Home Values

DeSoto

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

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

DeSoto, 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

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

DeSoto, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.