Is Austin, TX cheaper than Madison, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.0% more expensive than Madison, AL. This translates to spending an extra $977 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Madison, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, AL, you'd need approximately $161,726.067 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, AL and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 43.2% more expensive than in Madison, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $943/month in Madison, AL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, AL to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $977 more per month than Madison, AL, or $11726 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, AL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Madison, AL — COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area + state data

Current salary in Madison, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $977/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.7K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$977

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.7K

Per year

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

Madison, AL

Population:61K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$90K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$558K

Madison, AL

The Heart of Dixie

61K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 61K 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: Madison, AL vs Austin, TX

Category	Madison, AL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,014/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $870more	43.2%
📦Other	$1,648/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $92.75more	5.6%
🏥Healthcare	$526/mo	$589/mo	↑ $62.29more	11.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,259/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $24.94more	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$982/mo	$959/mo	↓ $22.49less	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$554/mo	$541/mo	↓ $12.68less	2.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 43.2%

Madison, AL

$2,014

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$870

📦Other

↑ 5.6%

Madison, AL

$1,648

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$92.75

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

Madison, AL

$526

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$62.29

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.0%

Madison, AL

$1,259

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$24.94

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.3%

Madison, AL

$982

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$22.49

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.3%

Madison, AL

$554

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$12.68

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$681

To$1,585

↑ $904

1 Bed

From$786

To$1,685

↑ $899

2 Bed

From$943

To$1,995

↑ $1,052

3 Bed

From$1,257

To$2,525

↑ $1,268

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.

$6,983

Monthly in Madison, AL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,015

Difference

Home Values

Madison

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

$622

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Madison, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/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

Madison, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

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.