Is Austin, TX cheaper than Palm Springs, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.7% cheaper than Palm Springs, CA. This translates to saving $205 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palm Springs, CA, you'd need approximately $147,542.351 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 9.4% more expensive than in Palm Springs, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,867/month in Palm Springs, CA.

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

Moving from Palm Springs, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $205 per month, or $2458 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palm Springs, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Palm Springs, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Bernardino, CA area

Current salary in Palm Springs, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $205/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$205

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Palm Springs, CA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$613K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Palm Springs, CA

The Golden State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 45K 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: Palm Springs, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Palm Springs, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,116/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $832less	39.3%
🏠Housing	$2,637/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $247more	9.4%
📦Other	$1,609/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $132more	8.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.75less	6.8%
🏥Healthcare	$546/mo	$589/mo	↑ $42.58more	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$541/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 39.3%

Palm Springs, CA

$2,116

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$832

less

🏠Housing

↑ 9.4%

Palm Springs, CA

$2,637

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$247

📦Other

↑ 8.2%

Palm Springs, CA

$1,609

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$132

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Palm Springs, CA

$1,029

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$69.75

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.8%

Palm Springs, CA

$546

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$42.58

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Palm Springs, CA

$552

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,438

To$1,585

↑ $147

1 Bed

From$1,508

To$1,685

↑ $177

2 Bed

From$1,867

To$1,995

↑ $128

3 Bed

From$2,471

To$2,525

↑ $54.00

Palm Springs, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$1,890/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.

$8,489

Monthly in Palm Springs, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$490

Difference

Home Values

Palm Springs

Austin

$613K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +33%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$588K - $638K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 9% less expensive than Palm Springs

Calculate payment - Palm Springs 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

Palm Springs, 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

Palm Springs, 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.