Is Austin, TX cheaper than Staunton, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.2% more expensive than Staunton, VA. This translates to spending an extra $916 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Staunton, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Staunton, VA, you'd need approximately $160,992.575 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Staunton, VA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 37.1% more expensive than in Staunton, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $936/month in Staunton, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Staunton, VA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $916 more per month than Staunton, VA, or $10993 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Staunton, VA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Staunton, VA — COL adjusted from Richmond, VA area + state data

Current salary in Staunton, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $916/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$916

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

Per year

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

Staunton, VA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$350K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$558K

Staunton, VA

The Old Dominion State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 26K 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: Staunton, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Staunton, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,104/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $781more	37.1%
📦Other	$1,613/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $128more	7.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,179/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $105more	8.9%
🛒Groceries	$919/mo	$959/mo	↑ $40.23more	4.4%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$589/mo	↓ $16.87less	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$550/mo	$541/mo	↓ $8.73less	1.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 37.1%

Staunton, VA

$2,104

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$781

📦Other

↑ 7.9%

Staunton, VA

$1,613

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$128

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.9%

Staunton, VA

$1,179

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$105

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.4%

Staunton, VA

$919

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$40.23

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.8%

Staunton, VA

$605

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$16.87

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.6%

Staunton, VA

$550

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$8.73

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$663

To$1,585

↑ $922

1 Bed

From$741

To$1,685

↑ $944

2 Bed

From$936

To$1,995

↑ $1,059

3 Bed

From$1,287

To$2,525

↑ $1,238

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.

$6,970

Monthly in Staunton, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,028

Difference

Home Values

Staunton

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

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Staunton, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Staunton, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.