Is Austin, TX cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.7% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $505 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $156,062.176 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 31.7% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $505 more per month than Houston, TX, or $6062 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $505/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$505

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$558K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Houston, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $694more	31.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $165less	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.96more	5.3%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $26.78less	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$589/mo	↑ $26.64more	4.7%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$541/mo	↓ $11.47less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 31.7%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$694

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.4%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$165

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Houston, TX

$911

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$47.96

📦Other

↓ 1.5%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$26.78

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.7%

Houston, TX

$562

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$26.64

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Houston, TX

$552

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$11.47

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,585

↑ $365

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,685

↑ $425

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,995

↑ $495

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,525

↑ $505

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$565

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Austin

$245K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 127% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

Houston, 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

Houston, 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.