Is Austin, TX cheaper than Moscow, ID?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 11.8% more expensive than Moscow, ID. This translates to spending an extra $887 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Moscow, ID?

If you earn $150,000 in Moscow, ID, you'd need approximately $160,642.31 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Moscow, ID and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 42.9% more expensive than in Moscow, ID. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $841/month in Moscow, ID.

How much can I save per month by moving from Moscow, ID to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $887 more per month than Moscow, ID, or $10642 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Moscow, ID vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Moscow, ID — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Moscow, ID

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $887/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.6K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$887

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

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

Moscow, ID

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$462K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$558K

Moscow, ID

The Gem State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Idaho, this city has a population of 26K 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: Moscow, ID vs Austin, TX

Category	Moscow, ID	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,018/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $866more	42.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,841/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $557less	30.3%
📦Other	$1,493/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $248more	16.6%
🏥Healthcare	$811/mo	$589/mo	↓ $223less	27.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,063/mo	$959/mo	↓ $103less	9.7%
⚡All Utilities	$473/mo	$541/mo	↑ $67.48more	14.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 42.9%

Moscow, ID

$2,018

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$866

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.3%

Moscow, ID

$1,841

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$557

less

📦Other

↑ 16.6%

Moscow, ID

$1,493

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$248

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.5%

Moscow, ID

$811

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$223

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.7%

Moscow, ID

$1,063

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$103

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.3%

Moscow, ID

$473

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$67.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$668

To$1,585

↑ $917

1 Bed

From$717

To$1,685

↑ $968

2 Bed

From$841

To$1,995

↑ $1,154

3 Bed

From$1,170

To$2,525

↑ $1,355

Moscow, IDZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$870/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Moscow, ID

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$299

Difference

Home Values

Moscow

Austin

$462K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +37.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$462K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 21% more expensive than Moscow

Calculate payment - Moscow Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $16.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$1,353

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

10.8%

Rate difference

Moscow, ID

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Idaho State Tax

Effective: 10.8%

$16.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.5%

$53.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,062/month

$96.7K

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

Moscow, ID Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.