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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area
Overall Cost
↓ 27.4%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,052
Savings
Annual Impact
$24.6K
Per year

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

Lawrence, MA

Population:88K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$470K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:
73
(27% below avg)
Median Home:$558K

Lawrence, MA

The Bay State

88K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 88K 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: Lawrence, MA vs Austin, TX

Housing
↓ 36.2%
Lawrence, MA
$4,518
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,634
less
Transportation
↓ 26.3%
Lawrence, MA
$1,742
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$458
less
All Utilities
↓ 22.5%
Lawrence, MA
$698
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$157
less
Healthcare
↓ 18.8%
Lawrence, MA
$725
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$137
less
Groceries
↓ 8.9%
Lawrence, MA
$1,053
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$93.50
less
Other
↑ 0.3%
Lawrence, MA
$1,736
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$4.52
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,124
To$1,585
↑ $461
1 Bed
From$1,238
To$1,685
↑ $447
2 Bed
From$1,626
To$1,995
↑ $369
3 Bed
From$1,949
To$2,525
↑ $576
Lawrence, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,530–$1,820/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.

$10,473
Monthly in Lawrence, MA
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$2,475
Difference

Home Values

Lawrence
Austin
$470K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +3.3%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +43.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$372K - $515K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 19% more expensive than Lawrence

Calculate payment - LawrenceCalculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $7.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$625
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

Lawrence, MA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Massachusetts State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Lawrence, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

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.

Environment

Lawrence
Austin
36 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
79.5%
Good Air Days
42.6%
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌅🌀
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

What to Consider When Moving from Lawrence, MA to Austin, TX

Relocating from Lawrence, MA to Austin, TX involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 27% lower in Austin, TX, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Austin, TX is 36% cheaper than in Lawrence, MA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Austin, TX pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Austin, TX to match your current standard of living in Lawrence, MA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Austin, TX for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawrence, MA vs Austin, TX

Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lawrence, MA?

Yes, Austin, TX is about 27.4% cheaper than Lawrence, MA. You could save approximately $2,052/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 36% lower in Austin, TX.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to match my lifestyle in Lawrence, MA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Lawrence, MA, you would need approximately $125,375 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Lawrence, MA and Austin, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,626/month in Lawrence, MA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX. One-bedroom apartments are $1,238/month in Lawrence, MA vs $1,685/month in Austin, TX. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Lawrence, MA or Austin, TX?

Groceries are about 9% cheaper in Austin, TX than in Lawrence, MA, saving a typical household roughly $93.50/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Lawrence, MA to Austin, TX?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Massachusetts and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Lawrence, MA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $2,898/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $2,898/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $2,793/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $2,740/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $2,740/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

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