Is Austin, TX cheaper than Sun City, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.2% more expensive than Sun City, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $465 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sun City, AZ, you'd need approximately $155,575.126 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 28.4% more expensive than in Sun City, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,143/month in Sun City, AZ.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $465 more per month than Sun City, AZ, or $5575 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sun City, AZ vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sun City, AZ — COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area + state data

Current salary in Sun City, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $465/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$465

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Sun City, AZ

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$398K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

Sun City, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 40K 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: Sun City, AZ vs Austin, TX

Category	Sun City, AZ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,246/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $639more	28.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,430/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $146less	10.2%
📦Other	$1,608/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $133more	8.3%
🛒Groceries	$940/mo	$959/mo	↑ $19.23more	2.0%
🏥Healthcare	$577/mo	$589/mo	↑ $11.80more	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$541/mo	↑ $5.49more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.4%

Sun City, AZ

$2,246

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$639

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.2%

Sun City, AZ

$1,430

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$146

less

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

Sun City, AZ

$1,608

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$133

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.0%

Sun City, AZ

$940

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$19.23

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Sun City, AZ

$577

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$11.80

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

Sun City, AZ

$535

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.49

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,585

↑ $810

1 Bed

From$898

To$1,685

↑ $787

2 Bed

From$1,143

To$1,995

↑ $852

3 Bed

From$1,633

To$2,525

↑ $892

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.

$7,336

Monthly in Sun City, AZ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$663

Difference

Home Values

Sun City

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

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Sun City, 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

Sun City, 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.