Is Austin, TX cheaper than Los Gatos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 44.6% cheaper than Los Gatos, CA. This translates to saving $3346 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Gatos, CA, you'd need approximately $109,852.456 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 64.2% cheaper than in Los Gatos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,965/month in Los Gatos, CA.

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

Moving from Los Gatos, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $3346 per month, or $40148 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Los Gatos, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Los Gatos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area

Current salary in Los Gatos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $109.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,346

Savings

Annual Impact

$40.1K

Per year

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

Los Gatos, CA

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.52M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:55

Median Home:$558K

Los Gatos, CA

The Golden State

32K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 32K 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: Los Gatos, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Los Gatos, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$8,049/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $5,164less	64.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,086/mo	$959/mo	↓ $127less	11.7%
⚡All Utilities	$447/mo	$541/mo	↑ $94.23more	21.1%
🏥Healthcare	$679/mo	$589/mo	↓ $90.76less	13.4%
📦Other	$1,688/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $52.93more	3.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $17.58less	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 64.2%

Los Gatos, CA

$8,049

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$5,164

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.7%

Los Gatos, CA

$1,086

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$127

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 21.1%

Los Gatos, CA

$447

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$94.23

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.4%

Los Gatos, CA

$679

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$90.76

less

📦Other

↑ 3.1%

Los Gatos, CA

$1,688

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$52.93

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.4%

Los Gatos, CA

$1,302

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$17.58

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,233

To$1,585

↓ $648

1 Bed

From$2,540

To$1,685

↓ $855

2 Bed

From$2,965

To$1,995

↓ $970

3 Bed

From$3,916

To$2,525

↓ $1,391

Los Gatos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,230–$3,230/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.

$13,251

Monthly in Los Gatos, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$5,252

Difference

Home Values

Los Gatos

Austin

$2.52M

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +41.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$2.52M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 78% less expensive than Los Gatos

Calculate payment - Los Gatos 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

Los Gatos, 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

Los Gatos, 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.