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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 University City, MO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
↑ 24.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,820
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$21.8K
Per year

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

University City, MO

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$268K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:124
Median Home:$558K

University City, MO

The Show-Me State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 34K 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: University City, MO vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 79.8%
University City, MO
$1,604
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,280
more
📦Other
↑ 13.7%
University City, MO
$1,531
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$210
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 10.9%
University City, MO
$1,158
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$126
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 14.5%
University City, MO
$514
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$74.57
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 3.5%
University City, MO
$927
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$32.73
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 3.5%
University City, MO
$523
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$18.29
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$866
To$1,585
↑ $719
1 Bed
From$899
To$1,685
↑ $786
2 Bed
From$1,101
To$1,995
↑ $894
3 Bed
From$1,417
To$2,525
↑ $1,108
University City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$1,110/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.

$6,257
Monthly in University City, MO
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,742
Difference

Home Values

University City
Austin
$268K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +22.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$268K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 108% more expensive than University City

Calculate payment - University CityCalculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $7.9K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$661
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.3%
Rate difference

University City, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

University City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

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.

Environment

University City
Austin
54 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
42.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Missouri and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Austin, TX

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