Is Austin, TX cheaper than La Quinta, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 5.3% cheaper than La Quinta, CA. This translates to saving $397 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in La Quinta, CA, you'd need approximately $145,239.986 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 1.7% cheaper than in La Quinta, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,801/month in La Quinta, CA.

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

Moving from La Quinta, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $397 per month, or $4760 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

La Quinta, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 La Quinta, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Riverside, CA area

Current salary in La Quinta, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $397/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.2K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$397

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.8K

Per year

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

La Quinta, CA

Population:39K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$734K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$558K

La Quinta, CA

The Golden State

39K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 39K 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: La Quinta, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	La Quinta, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,006/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $722less	36.0%
📦Other	$1,603/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $138more	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$532/mo	$589/mo	↑ $56.97more	10.7%
🏠Housing	$2,935/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $50.27less	1.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,002/mo	$959/mo	↓ $42.64less	4.3%
⚡All Utilities	$537/mo	$541/mo	↑ $3.61more	0.7%

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.0%

La Quinta, CA

$2,006

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$722

less

📦Other

↑ 8.6%

La Quinta, CA

$1,603

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$138

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.7%

La Quinta, CA

$532

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$56.97

🏠Housing

↓ 1.7%

La Quinta, CA

$2,935

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$50.27

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.3%

La Quinta, CA

$1,002

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$42.64

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.7%

La Quinta, CA

$537

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$3.61

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,383

To$1,585

↑ $202

1 Bed

From$1,454

To$1,685

↑ $231

2 Bed

From$1,801

To$1,995

↑ $194

3 Bed

From$2,386

To$2,525

↑ $139

La Quinta, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,840–$1,840/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.

$8,615

Monthly in La Quinta, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$616

Difference

Home Values

La Quinta

Austin

$734K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +38.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$734K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 24% less expensive than La Quinta

Calculate payment - La Quinta 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

La Quinta, 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

La Quinta, 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.