Is Austin, TX cheaper than Melrose, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 25.8% cheaper than Melrose, MA. This translates to saving $1935 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Melrose, MA, you'd need approximately $126,782.84 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 34.8% cheaper than in Melrose, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,233/month in Melrose, MA.

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

Moving from Melrose, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1935 per month, or $23217 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Melrose, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Melrose, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,935

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.2K

Per year

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

Melrose, MA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$872K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$558K

Melrose, MA

The Bay State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 29K 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: Melrose, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	Melrose, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,423/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,539less	34.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,705/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $421less	24.7%
⚡All Utilities	$691/mo	$541/mo	↓ $150less	21.7%
🏥Healthcare	$718/mo	$589/mo	↓ $129less	18.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$959/mo	↓ $82.35less	7.9%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $41.11more	2.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 34.8%

Melrose, MA

$4,423

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,539

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.7%

Melrose, MA

$1,705

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$421

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.7%

Melrose, MA

$691

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$150

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.0%

Melrose, MA

$718

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$129

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.9%

Melrose, MA

$1,042

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$82.35

less

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

Melrose, MA

$1,700

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$41.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,790

To$1,585

↓ $205

1 Bed

From$1,877

To$1,685

↓ $192

2 Bed

From$2,233

To$1,995

↓ $238

3 Bed

From$2,676

To$2,525

↓ $151

Melrose, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,370–$2,370/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.

$10,278

Monthly in Melrose, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,280

Difference

Home Values

Melrose

Austin

$872K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +28.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$872K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 36% less expensive than Melrose

Calculate payment - Melrose 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

Melrose, 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

Melrose, 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.