Is Austin, TX cheaper than Sterling, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 27.3% cheaper than Sterling, VA. This translates to saving $2048 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sterling, VA, you'd need approximately $125,424.557 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.6% cheaper than in Sterling, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,219/month in Sterling, VA.

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

Moving from Sterling, VA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2048 per month, or $24575 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sterling, VA — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in Sterling, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 27.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,048

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.6K

Per year

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

Sterling, VA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$558K

Sterling, VA

The Old Dominion State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, 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: Sterling, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Sterling, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,211/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,326less	44.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,757/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $473less	26.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$959/mo	↓ $82.67less	7.9%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$541/mo	↑ $50.32more	10.3%
📦Other	$1,701/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $40.07more	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$589/mo	↓ $21.56less	3.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.6%

Sterling, VA

$5,211

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,326

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.9%

Sterling, VA

$1,757

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$473

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.9%

Sterling, VA

$1,042

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$82.67

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.3%

Sterling, VA

$491

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$50.32

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

Sterling, VA

$1,701

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$40.07

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

Sterling, VA

$610

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$21.56

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,505

To$1,585

↑ $80.00

1 Bed

From$1,743

To$1,685

↓ $58.00

2 Bed

From$2,219

To$1,995

↓ $224

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$2,525

↓ $565

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.

$10,812

Monthly in Sterling, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,813

Difference

Home Values

Sterling

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

Sterling, 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

Sterling, 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.