Is Austin, TX cheaper than Moline, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.1% more expensive than Moline, IL. This translates to spending an extra $904 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Moline, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Moline, IL, you'd need approximately $160,852.085 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Moline, IL and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 32.9% more expensive than in Moline, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $856/month in Moline, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Moline, IL to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $904 more per month than Moline, IL, or $10852 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Moline, IL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Moline, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Moline, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $904/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.9K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$904

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.9K

Per year

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

Moline, IL

Population:42K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$145K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$558K

Moline, IL

The Prairie State

42K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 42K 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: Moline, IL vs Austin, TX

Category	Moline, IL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,170/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $714more	32.9%
📦Other	$1,568/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $173more	11.0%
🏥Healthcare	$672/mo	$589/mo	↓ $83.85less	12.5%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$541/mo	↑ $65.50more	13.8%
🛒Groceries	$898/mo	$959/mo	↑ $61.75more	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,232/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $52.37more	4.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.9%

Moline, IL

$2,170

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$714

📦Other

↑ 11.0%

Moline, IL

$1,568

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$173

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.5%

Moline, IL

$672

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$83.85

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.8%

Moline, IL

$475

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$65.50

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.9%

Moline, IL

$898

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$61.75

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.3%

Moline, IL

$1,232

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$52.37

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$610

To$1,585

↑ $975

1 Bed

From$692

To$1,685

↑ $993

2 Bed

From$856

To$1,995

↑ $1,139

3 Bed

From$1,124

To$2,525

↑ $1,401

Moline, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$930/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.

$7,015

Monthly in Moline, IL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$983

Difference

Home Values

Moline

Austin

$145K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +6.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +21.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$145K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 285% more expensive than Moline

Calculate payment - Moline Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Moline, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Moline, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.