Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lafayette, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 33.4% cheaper than Lafayette, CA. This translates to saving $2507 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lafayette, CA, you'd need approximately $119,912.308 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.2% cheaper than in Lafayette, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $3,125/month in Lafayette, CA.

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

Moving from Lafayette, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2507 per month, or $30088 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Lafayette, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.9K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 33.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,507

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.1K

Per year

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

Lafayette, CA

Population:25K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.83M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$558K

Lafayette, CA

The Golden State

25K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 25K 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: Lafayette, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Lafayette, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,790/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,906less	50.2%
🚗Transportation	$2,024/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $740less	36.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,122/mo	$959/mo	↓ $163less	14.5%
⚡All Utilities	$434/mo	$541/mo	↑ $107more	24.7%
🏥Healthcare	$684/mo	$589/mo	↓ $95.38less	13.9%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $17.18less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.2%

Lafayette, CA

$5,790

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,906

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.6%

Lafayette, CA

$2,024

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$740

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.5%

Lafayette, CA

$1,122

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$163

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.7%

Lafayette, CA

$434

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$107

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.9%

Lafayette, CA

$684

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$95.38

less

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Lafayette, CA

$1,758

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$17.18

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,296

To$1,585

↓ $711

1 Bed

From$2,559

To$1,685

↓ $874

2 Bed

From$3,125

To$1,995

↓ $1,130

3 Bed

From$3,993

To$2,525

↓ $1,468

Lafayette, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,210–$3,210/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.

$11,812

Monthly in Lafayette, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,814

Difference

Home Values

Lafayette

Austin

$1.83M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +15.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.83M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 69% less expensive than Lafayette

Calculate payment - Lafayette 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

Lafayette, 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

Lafayette, 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.