Is Austin, TX cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 0.2% cheaper than Phoenix, AZ. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Phoenix, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $149,825.581 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 3.4% more expensive than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, TX?

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $15 per month, or $174 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Phoenix, AZ

Tap to swap

Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $14.53/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.53

Savings

Annual Impact

$174

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $205less	13.8%
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $96.15more	3.4%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $63.61more	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$541/mo	↓ $20.22less	3.6%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $4.00less	0.4%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

🏠Housing

↑ 3.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$96.15

📦Other

↑ 3.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$63.61

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.6%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$20.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$4.00

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,585

↑ $195

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,685

↑ $175

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,995

↑ $245

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,525

↑ $195

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$69.35

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Austin

$414K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 35% more expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.