Is Austin, TX cheaper than Prescott, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 1.7% cheaper than Prescott, AZ. This translates to saving $131 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Prescott, AZ, you'd need approximately $148,425.663 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 2.8% more expensive than in Prescott, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,369/month in Prescott, AZ.

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

Moving from Prescott, AZ to Austin, TX could save you approximately $131 per month, or $1574 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Prescott, AZ vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Prescott, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Scottsdale, AZ area

Current salary in Prescott, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $131/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$131

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.6K

Per year

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

Prescott, AZ

Population:48K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$531K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$558K

Prescott, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

48K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 48K 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: Prescott, AZ vs Austin, TX

Category	Prescott, AZ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🛒Groceries	$879/mo	$959/mo	↑ $80.78more	9.2%
🏠Housing	$2,805/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $79.60more	2.8%
📦Other	$1,685/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $56.24more	3.3%
🏥Healthcare	$539/mo	$589/mo	↑ $49.57more	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$500/mo	$541/mo	↑ $40.55more	8.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,249/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $35.31more	2.8%

🛒Groceries

↑ 9.2%

Prescott, AZ

$879

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$80.78

🏠Housing

↑ 2.8%

Prescott, AZ

$2,805

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$79.60

📦Other

↑ 3.3%

Prescott, AZ

$1,685

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$56.24

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.2%

Prescott, AZ

$539

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$49.57

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Prescott, AZ

$500

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$40.55

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.8%

Prescott, AZ

$1,249

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$35.31

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$941

To$1,585

↑ $644

1 Bed

From$1,091

To$1,685

↑ $594

2 Bed

From$1,369

To$1,995

↑ $626

3 Bed

From$1,903

To$2,525

↑ $622

Prescott, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,530–$1,530/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.

$7,656

Monthly in Prescott, AZ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$342

Difference

Home Values

Prescott

Austin

$531K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +32.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$531K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 5% more expensive than Prescott

Calculate payment - Prescott 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

Prescott, 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

Prescott, 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.