Is Austin, TX cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 38.7% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $2902 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $115,178.571 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 62.3% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Austin, TX?

Moving from New York, NY to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2902 per month, or $34821 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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New York, NY

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,902

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.8K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$558K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Austin, TX

Category	New York, NY	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $4,763less	62.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $318less	19.9%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $293less	14.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$589/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.4%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$541/mo	↓ $59.01less	9.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.3%

New York, NY

$7,648

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$4,763

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

New York, NY

$1,602

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$318

less

📦Other

↓ 14.4%

New York, NY

$2,034

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$293

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$206

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

New York, NY

$688

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.8%

New York, NY

$600

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$59.01

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$1,585

↓ $1,535

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,685

↓ $1,585

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,995

↓ $1,595

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$2,525

↓ $1,975

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$5,739

Difference

Home Values

New York

Austin

$1.05M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 47% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$795

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.