Is Austin, TX cheaper than National City, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 25.9% cheaper than National City, CA. This translates to saving $1941 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in National City, CA, you'd need approximately $126,702.514 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 36.4% cheaper than in National City, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,920/month in National City, CA.

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

Moving from National City, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1941 per month, or $23297 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

National City, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 National City, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chula Vista, CA area

Current salary in National City, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,941

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.3K

Per year

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

National City, CA

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$672K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$558K

National City, CA

The Golden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 55K 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: National City, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	National City, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,537/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,652less	36.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,516/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $232less	15.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,060/mo	$959/mo	↓ $101less	9.5%
📦Other	$1,826/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $84.65less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$623/mo	$541/mo	↓ $81.73less	13.1%
🏥Healthcare	$627/mo	$589/mo	↓ $38.33less	6.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.4%

National City, CA

$4,537

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,652

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.3%

National City, CA

$1,516

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$232

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.5%

National City, CA

$1,060

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$101

less

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

National City, CA

$1,826

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$84.65

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.1%

National City, CA

$623

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$81.73

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.1%

National City, CA

$627

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$38.33

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,460

To$1,585

↑ $125

1 Bed

From$1,575

To$1,685

↑ $110

2 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,995

↑ $75.00

3 Bed

From$2,559

To$2,525

↓ $34.00

National City, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$1,920/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.

$10,189

Monthly in National City, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,190

Difference

Home Values

National City

Austin

$672K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +33.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$672K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 17% less expensive than National City

Calculate payment - National City 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

National City, 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

National City, 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.