Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fuquay-Varina, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.0% more expensive than Fuquay-Varina, NC. This translates to spending an extra $898 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Fuquay-Varina, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fuquay-Varina, NC, you'd need approximately $160,778.248 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fuquay-Varina, NC and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 36.9% more expensive than in Fuquay-Varina, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,475/month in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fuquay-Varina, NC to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $898 more per month than Fuquay-Varina, NC, or $10778 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fuquay-Varina, NC vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fuquay-Varina, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $898/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$898

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$436K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$558K

Fuquay-Varina, NC

The Tar Heel State

44K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 44K 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: Fuquay-Varina, NC vs Austin, TX

Category	Fuquay-Varina, NC	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,107/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $778more	36.9%
📦Other	$1,619/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $122more	7.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,218/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $66.40more	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$934/mo	$959/mo	↑ $25.13more	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$532/mo	$541/mo	↑ $8.85more	1.7%
🏥Healthcare	$585/mo	$589/mo	↑ $3.35more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 36.9%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$2,107

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$778

📦Other

↑ 7.5%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$1,619

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$122

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.5%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$1,218

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$66.40

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$934

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$25.13

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$532

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$8.85

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.6%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$585

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$3.35

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,274

To$1,585

↑ $311

1 Bed

From$1,330

To$1,685

↑ $355

2 Bed

From$1,475

To$1,995

↑ $520

3 Bed

From$1,878

To$2,525

↑ $647

Fuquay-Varina, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,650/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.

$6,995

Monthly in Fuquay-Varina, NC

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,003

Difference

Home Values

Fuquay-Varina

Austin

$436K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$436K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 28% more expensive than Fuquay-Varina

Calculate payment - Fuquay-Varina Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.