Is Austin, TX cheaper than Walnut, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 29.4% cheaper than Walnut, CA. This translates to saving $2203 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Walnut, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Walnut, CA, you'd need approximately $123,559.137 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Walnut, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 43.6% cheaper than in Walnut, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,133/month in Walnut, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Walnut, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Walnut, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2203 per month, or $26441 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Walnut, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Walnut, CA — COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area + state data

Current salary in Walnut, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $123.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 29.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,203

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.4K

Per year

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

Walnut, CA

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:71

Median Home:$558K

Walnut, CA

The Golden State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 27K 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: Walnut, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Walnut, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,117/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,232less	43.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,044/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $760less	37.2%
📦Other	$1,633/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $108more	6.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,011/mo	$959/mo	↓ $52.06less	5.1%
🏥Healthcare	$537/mo	$589/mo	↑ $51.97more	9.7%
⚡All Utilities	$542/mo	$541/mo	↓ $1.44less	0.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 43.6%

Walnut, CA

$5,117

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,232

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.2%

Walnut, CA

$2,044

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$760

less

📦Other

↑ 6.6%

Walnut, CA

$1,633

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$108

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.1%

Walnut, CA

$1,011

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$52.06

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.7%

Walnut, CA

$537

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$51.97

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.3%

Walnut, CA

$542

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$1.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,409

To$1,585

↑ $176

1 Bed

From$1,650

To$1,685

↑ $35.00

2 Bed

From$2,133

To$1,995

↓ $138

3 Bed

From$3,059

To$2,525

↓ $534

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.

$10,884

Monthly in Walnut, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,886

Difference

Home Values

Walnut

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

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Walnut, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Walnut, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.