Is Austin, TX cheaper than South Laurel, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 27.3% cheaper than South Laurel, MD. This translates to saving $2045 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in South Laurel, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in South Laurel, MD, you'd need approximately $125,461.958 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Laurel, MD and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.6% cheaper than in South Laurel, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,217/month in South Laurel, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from South Laurel, MD to Austin, TX?

Moving from South Laurel, MD to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2045 per month, or $24538 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Laurel, MD vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South Laurel, MD — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in South Laurel, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 27.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,045

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.5K

Per year

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

South Laurel, MD

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$558K

South Laurel, MD

The Old Line State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 30K 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: South Laurel, MD vs Austin, TX

Category	South Laurel, MD	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,208/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,323less	44.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,756/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $472less	26.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$959/mo	↓ $82.37less	7.9%
⚡All Utilities	$490/mo	$541/mo	↑ $50.46more	10.3%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $41.04more	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$589/mo	↓ $21.39less	3.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.6%

South Laurel, MD

$5,208

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,323

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.9%

South Laurel, MD

$1,756

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$472

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.9%

South Laurel, MD

$1,042

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$82.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.3%

South Laurel, MD

$490

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$50.46

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

South Laurel, MD

$1,700

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$41.04

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

South Laurel, MD

$610

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$21.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,505

To$1,585

↑ $80.00

1 Bed

From$1,742

To$1,685

↓ $57.00

2 Bed

From$2,217

To$1,995

↓ $222

3 Bed

From$3,088

To$2,525

↓ $563

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.

$10,806

Monthly in South Laurel, MD

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,808

Difference

Home Values

South Laurel

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$605

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

South Laurel, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

South Laurel, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.