Is Austin, TX cheaper than Hercules, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 33.5% cheaper than Hercules, CA. This translates to saving $2514 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Hercules, CA, you'd need approximately $119,829.956 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.2% cheaper than in Hercules, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,945/month in Hercules, CA.

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

Moving from Hercules, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2514 per month, or $30170 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hercules, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Hercules, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Hercules, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 33.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,514

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.2K

Per year

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

Hercules, CA

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$729K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$558K

Hercules, CA

The Golden State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 27K 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: Hercules, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Hercules, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,798/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,913less	50.2%
🚗Transportation	$2,027/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $743less	36.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,123/mo	$959/mo	↓ $164less	14.6%
⚡All Utilities	$434/mo	$541/mo	↑ $107more	24.6%
🏥Healthcare	$684/mo	$589/mo	↓ $95.85less	14.0%
📦Other	$1,761/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $19.60less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.2%

Hercules, CA

$5,798

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,913

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.6%

Hercules, CA

$2,027

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$743

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.6%

Hercules, CA

$1,123

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$164

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.6%

Hercules, CA

$434

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$107

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

Hercules, CA

$684

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$95.85

less

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Hercules, CA

$1,761

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$19.60

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,163

To$1,585

↓ $578

1 Bed

From$2,410

To$1,685

↓ $725

2 Bed

From$2,945

To$1,995

↓ $950

3 Bed

From$3,767

To$2,525

↓ $1,242

Hercules, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,020–$3,020/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.

$11,827

Monthly in Hercules, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,829

Difference

Home Values

Hercules

Austin

$729K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -5.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +12.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$729K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 23% less expensive than Hercules

Calculate payment - Hercules 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

Hercules, 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

Hercules, 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.