Is Austin, TX cheaper than El Mirage, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.5% more expensive than El Mirage, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $484 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in El Mirage, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in El Mirage, AZ, you'd need approximately $155,808.688 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between El Mirage, AZ and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 28.7% more expensive than in El Mirage, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,653/month in El Mirage, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from El Mirage, AZ to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $484 more per month than El Mirage, AZ, or $5809 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

El Mirage, AZ vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 El Mirage, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area

Current salary in El Mirage, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $484/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$484

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

El Mirage, AZ

Population:36K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$337K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

El Mirage, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

36K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 36K 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: El Mirage, AZ vs Austin, TX

Category	El Mirage, AZ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,241/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $644more	28.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,426/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $142less	10.0%
📦Other	$1,604/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $137more	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$939/mo	$959/mo	↑ $20.37more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$576/mo	$589/mo	↑ $12.50more	2.2%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$541/mo	↑ $6.14more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.7%

El Mirage, AZ

$2,241

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$644

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.0%

El Mirage, AZ

$1,426

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$142

less

📦Other

↑ 8.6%

El Mirage, AZ

$1,604

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$137

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.2%

El Mirage, AZ

$939

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$20.37

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.2%

El Mirage, AZ

$576

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$12.50

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

El Mirage, AZ

$535

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$6.14

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,311

To$1,585

↑ $274

1 Bed

From$1,425

To$1,685

↑ $260

2 Bed

From$1,653

To$1,995

↑ $342

3 Bed

From$2,207

To$2,525

↑ $318

El Mirage, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,750–$1,750/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.

$7,320

Monthly in El Mirage, AZ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$678

Difference

Home Values

El Mirage

Austin

$337K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +34.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$337K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 66% more expensive than El Mirage

Calculate payment - El Mirage Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

El Mirage, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

El Mirage, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.