Is Austin, TX cheaper than Killeen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 7.0% more expensive than Killeen, TX. This translates to spending an extra $523 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Killeen, TX, you'd need approximately $156,281.799 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 18.9% more expensive than in Killeen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $898/month in Killeen, TX.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $523 more per month than Killeen, TX, or $6282 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Killeen, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Killeen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $523/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.3K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$523

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.3K

Per year

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

Killeen, TX

Population:160K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$118K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$558K

Killeen, TX

The Lone Star State

160K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 160K 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: Killeen, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Killeen, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,427/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $458more	18.9%
📦Other	$1,627/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $114more	7.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,200/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $83.78more	7.0%
🛒Groceries	$927/mo	$959/mo	↑ $31.82more	3.4%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$589/mo	↑ $19.52more	3.4%
⚡All Utilities	$523/mo	$541/mo	↑ $17.94more	3.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 18.9%

Killeen, TX

$2,427

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$458

📦Other

↑ 7.0%

Killeen, TX

$1,627

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$114

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.0%

Killeen, TX

$1,200

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$83.78

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.4%

Killeen, TX

$927

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$31.82

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.4%

Killeen, TX

$569

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$19.52

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.4%

Killeen, TX

$523

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$17.94

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$715

To$1,585

↑ $870

1 Bed

From$723

To$1,685

↑ $962

2 Bed

From$898

To$1,995

↑ $1,097

3 Bed

From$1,247

To$2,525

↑ $1,278

Killeen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Killeen, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$724

Difference

Home Values

Killeen

Austin

$118K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -4.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +31.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$118K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 372% more expensive than Killeen

Calculate payment - Killeen 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

Killeen, 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

Killeen, 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.