Is Austin, TX cheaper than Walnut Creek, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 35.0% cheaper than Walnut Creek, CA. This translates to saving $2622 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Walnut Creek, CA, you'd need approximately $118,535.791 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 51.3% cheaper than in Walnut Creek, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,733/month in Walnut Creek, CA.

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

Moving from Walnut Creek, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2622 per month, or $31464 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Walnut Creek, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Walnut Creek, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 35.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,622

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.5K

Per year

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

Walnut Creek, CA

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.07M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$558K

Walnut Creek, CA

The Golden State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 69K 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 Creek, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Walnut Creek, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,926/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,042less	51.3%
🚗Transportation	$2,071/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $787less	38.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,136/mo	$959/mo	↓ $176less	15.5%
🏥Healthcare	$692/mo	$589/mo	↓ $103less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$439/mo	$541/mo	↑ $102more	23.2%
📦Other	$1,799/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $58.52less	3.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.3%

Walnut Creek, CA

$5,926

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,042

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.0%

Walnut Creek, CA

$2,071

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$787

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.5%

Walnut Creek, CA

$1,136

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$176

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

Walnut Creek, CA

$692

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$103

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.2%

Walnut Creek, CA

$439

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$102

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Walnut Creek, CA

$1,799

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$58.52

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,007

To$1,585

↓ $422

1 Bed

From$2,235

To$1,685

↓ $550

2 Bed

From$2,733

To$1,995

↓ $738

3 Bed

From$3,492

To$2,525

↓ $967

Walnut Creek, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,450–$3,180/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.

$12,064

Monthly in Walnut Creek, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,065

Difference

Home Values

Walnut Creek

Austin

$1.07M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +18.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$678K - $1.34M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 48% less expensive than Walnut Creek

Calculate payment - Walnut Creek 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 Creek, 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 Creek, 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.