Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lemon Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 24.7% cheaper than Lemon Grove, CA. This translates to saving $1853 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lemon Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $127,762.017 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.4% cheaper than in Lemon Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,986/month in Lemon Grove, CA.

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

Moving from Lemon Grove, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1853 per month, or $22238 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lemon Grove, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lemon Grove, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chula Vista, CA area

Current salary in Lemon Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,853

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.2K

Per year

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

Lemon Grove, CA

Population:28K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$738K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$558K

Lemon Grove, CA

The Golden State

28K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 28K 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: Lemon Grove, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Lemon Grove, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,466/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,582less	35.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,492/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $208less	14.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,052/mo	$959/mo	↓ $92.59less	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$618/mo	$541/mo	↓ $76.85less	12.4%
📦Other	$1,797/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $56.11less	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$589/mo	↓ $33.41less	5.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.4%

Lemon Grove, CA

$4,466

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,582

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.0%

Lemon Grove, CA

$1,492

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$208

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.8%

Lemon Grove, CA

$1,052

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$92.59

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.4%

Lemon Grove, CA

$618

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$76.85

less

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

Lemon Grove, CA

$1,797

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$56.11

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.4%

Lemon Grove, CA

$622

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$33.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,518

To$1,585

↑ $67.00

1 Bed

From$1,631

To$1,685

↑ $54.00

2 Bed

From$1,986

To$1,995

↑ $9.00

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$2,525

↓ $124

Lemon Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,020–$2,020/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.

$10,047

Monthly in Lemon Grove, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,049

Difference

Home Values

Lemon Grove

Austin

$738K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +33.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$738K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 24% less expensive than Lemon Grove

Calculate payment - Lemon Grove 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

Lemon Grove, 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

Lemon Grove, 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.