Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fountain Valley, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 30.5% cheaper than Fountain Valley, CA. This translates to saving $2289 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Fountain Valley, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Fountain Valley, CA, you'd need approximately $122,532.382 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fountain Valley, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.5% cheaper than in Fountain Valley, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,815/month in Fountain Valley, CA.

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

Moving from Fountain Valley, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2289 per month, or $27468 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fountain Valley, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fountain Valley, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area

Current salary in Fountain Valley, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,289

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.5K

Per year

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

Fountain Valley, CA

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.33M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$558K

Fountain Valley, CA

The Golden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 55K 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: Fountain Valley, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Fountain Valley, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,201/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,316less	44.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,078/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $794less	38.2%
📦Other	$1,660/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $81.20more	4.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,020/mo	$959/mo	↓ $60.33less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$541/mo	$589/mo	↑ $47.58more	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$547/mo	$541/mo	↓ $5.88less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.5%

Fountain Valley, CA

$5,201

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,316

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.2%

Fountain Valley, CA

$2,078

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$794

less

📦Other

↑ 4.9%

Fountain Valley, CA

$1,660

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$81.20

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Fountain Valley, CA

$1,020

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$60.33

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.8%

Fountain Valley, CA

$541

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$47.58

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.1%

Fountain Valley, CA

$547

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.88

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,332

To$1,585

↓ $747

1 Bed

From$2,389

To$1,685

↓ $704

2 Bed

From$2,815

To$1,995

↓ $820

3 Bed

From$3,821

To$2,525

↓ $1,296

Fountain Valley, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,920–$2,920/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.

$11,046

Monthly in Fountain Valley, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,047

Difference

Home Values

Fountain Valley

Austin

$1.33M

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +55%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.33M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 58% less expensive than Fountain Valley

Calculate payment - Fountain Valley 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

Fountain Valley, 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

Fountain Valley, 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.