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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.2K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area
Overall Cost
↓ 26.4%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,980
Savings
Annual Impact
$23.8K
Per year

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

Woburn, MA

Population:42K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$732K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:
74
(26% below avg)
Median Home:$558K

Woburn, MA

The Bay State

42K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 42K 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: Woburn, MA vs Austin, TX

Housing
↓ 35.3%
Woburn, MA
$4,459
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,575
less
Transportation
↓ 25.3%
Woburn, MA
$1,719
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$435
less
All Utilities
↓ 22.0%
Woburn, MA
$694
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$153
less
Healthcare
↓ 18.3%
Woburn, MA
$721
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$132
less
Groceries
↓ 8.3%
Woburn, MA
$1,046
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$86.58
less
Other
↑ 1.6%
Woburn, MA
$1,714
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$27.25
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$2,020
To$1,585
↓ $435
1 Bed
From$2,116
To$1,685
↓ $431
2 Bed
From$2,515
To$1,995
↓ $520
3 Bed
From$3,018
To$2,525
↓ $493
Woburn, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,650–$2,650/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.

$10,352
Monthly in Woburn, MA
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$2,354
Difference

Home Values

Woburn
Austin
$732K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +2.1%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +28.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$732K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 24% less expensive than Woburn

Calculate payment - WoburnCalculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $7.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$625
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.0%
Rate difference

Woburn, MA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Massachusetts State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

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

Woburn, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

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

Woburn
Austin
36 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
79.5%
Good Air Days
42.6%
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌅🌀
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

What to Consider When Moving from Woburn, MA to Austin, TX

Relocating from Woburn, MA to Austin, TX involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 26% lower in Austin, TX, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Austin, TX is 35% cheaper than in Woburn, MA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Austin, TX pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Austin, TX to match your current standard of living in Woburn, MA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Austin, TX for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Woburn, MA vs Austin, TX

Is Austin, TX cheaper than Woburn, MA?

Yes, Austin, TX is about 26.4% cheaper than Woburn, MA. You could save approximately $1,980/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 35% lower in Austin, TX.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to match my lifestyle in Woburn, MA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Woburn, MA, you would need approximately $126,243 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Woburn, MA and Austin, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,515/month in Woburn, MA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX. One-bedroom apartments are $2,116/month in Woburn, MA vs $1,685/month in Austin, TX. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Woburn, MA or Austin, TX?

Groceries are about 8% cheaper in Austin, TX than in Woburn, MA, saving a typical household roughly $86.58/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Woburn, MA to Austin, TX?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Woburn, MA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $2,837/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $2,837/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $2,730/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $2,676/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $2,676/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

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