Is Austin, TX cheaper than Harker Heights, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.8% more expensive than Harker Heights, TX. This translates to spending an extra $809 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Harker Heights, TX, you'd need approximately $159,704.261 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Harker Heights, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 23.1% more expensive than in Harker Heights, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $978/month in Harker Heights, TX.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $809 more per month than Harker Heights, TX, or $9704 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Harker Heights, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Harker Heights, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Austin, TX area

Current salary in Harker Heights, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $809/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.7K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$809

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.7K

Per year

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

Harker Heights, TX

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$213K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$558K

Harker Heights, TX

The Lone Star State

34K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 34K 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: Harker Heights, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Harker Heights, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,343/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $541more	23.1%
📦Other	$1,572/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $169more	10.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,159/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $125more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.88more	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$559/mo	$589/mo	↑ $29.38more	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$514/mo	$541/mo	↑ $27.00more	5.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 23.1%

Harker Heights, TX

$2,343

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$541

📦Other

↑ 10.8%

Harker Heights, TX

$1,572

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$169

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.8%

Harker Heights, TX

$1,159

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$125

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Harker Heights, TX

$911

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$47.88

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.3%

Harker Heights, TX

$559

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$29.38

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Harker Heights, TX

$514

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$27.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$779

To$1,585

↑ $806

1 Bed

From$786

To$1,685

↑ $899

2 Bed

From$978

To$1,995

↑ $1,017

3 Bed

From$1,358

To$2,525

↑ $1,167

Harker Heights, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,090/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.

$7,059

Monthly in Harker Heights, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$940

Difference

Home Values

Harker Heights

Austin

$213K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$172K - $254K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 162% more expensive than Harker Heights

Calculate payment - Harker Heights 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

Harker Heights, 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

Harker Heights, 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.