Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lexington, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 26.1% cheaper than Lexington, MA. This translates to saving $1955 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, MA, you'd need approximately $126,534.556 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, MA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.0% cheaper than in Lexington, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,464/month in Lexington, MA.

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

Moving from Lexington, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1955 per month, or $23465 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, MA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lexington, MA — COL adjusted from Boston, MA area + state data

Current salary in Lexington, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 26.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,955

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.5K

Per year

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

Lexington, MA

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$558K

Lexington, MA

The Bay State

34K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 34K 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: Lexington, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	Lexington, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,440/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,555less	35.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,712/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $428less	25.0%
⚡All Utilities	$692/mo	$541/mo	↓ $151less	21.8%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$589/mo	↓ $130less	18.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,044/mo	$959/mo	↓ $84.29less	8.1%
📦Other	$1,706/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $34.77more	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.0%

Lexington, MA

$4,440

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,555

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

Lexington, MA

$1,712

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$428

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.8%

Lexington, MA

$692

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$151

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Lexington, MA

$719

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$130

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.1%

Lexington, MA

$1,044

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$84.29

less

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

Lexington, MA

$1,706

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$34.77

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,709

To$1,585

↓ $124

1 Bed

From$1,987

To$1,685

↓ $302

2 Bed

From$2,464

To$1,995

↓ $469

3 Bed

From$3,179

To$2,525

↓ $654

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.

$10,312

Monthly in Lexington, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,314

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate 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

Lexington, 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

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

Lexington, 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.