Is Austin, TX cheaper than Monrovia, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 33.4% cheaper than Monrovia, CA. This translates to saving $2504 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Monrovia, CA, you'd need approximately $119,949.454 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 53.6% cheaper than in Monrovia, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,063/month in Monrovia, CA.

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

Moving from Monrovia, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2504 per month, or $30051 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Monrovia, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monrovia, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Monrovia, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 33.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,504

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.1K

Per year

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

Monrovia, CA

Population:37K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$967K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$558K

Monrovia, CA

The Golden State

37K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 37K 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: Monrovia, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Monrovia, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,223/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,339less	53.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,926/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $642less	33.3%
📦Other	$1,544/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $197more	12.7%
🏥Healthcare	$523/mo	$589/mo	↑ $65.38more	12.5%
🛒Groceries	$983/mo	$959/mo	↓ $23.31less	2.4%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$541/mo	↑ $14.48more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.6%

Monrovia, CA

$6,223

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,339

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 33.3%

Monrovia, CA

$1,926

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$642

less

📦Other

↑ 12.7%

Monrovia, CA

$1,544

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$197

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.5%

Monrovia, CA

$523

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$65.38

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.4%

Monrovia, CA

$983

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$23.31

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Monrovia, CA

$526

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$14.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,479

To$1,585

↑ $106

1 Bed

From$1,653

To$1,685

↑ $32.00

2 Bed

From$2,063

To$1,995

↓ $68.00

3 Bed

From$2,617

To$2,525

↓ $92.00

Monrovia, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,180–$2,180/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.

$11,726

Monthly in Monrovia, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,727

Difference

Home Values

Monrovia

Austin

$967K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$967K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 42% less expensive than Monrovia

Calculate payment - Monrovia 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

Monrovia, 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

Monrovia, 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.