Cost of Living in Austin, AR

Population 3,805 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

80
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Austin offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $210,000 — costs less than 2.2 times median household income of $93,315, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 30 miles northeast of Little Rock, Austin falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Little Rock's $221,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 98

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Austin

The median home value in Austin is $209,800 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,284/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $93,315/year is 25% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Austin has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$209,800
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$326,243
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,284/mo
2% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$638
1 BR
$684
2 BR
$848
3 BR
$1,151
4 BR
$1,256
Owner-occupied 78.3%
Renter-occupied 21.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,284
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,898/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.0 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
90.1%
Carpooled
6.6%
Work from home
3.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 9.5%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 3.0%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$93,315
25% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,710
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
48% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
Labor Force Participation
74.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.9%
Graduate degree 16.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.1
Male median age 29.6
Female median age 30.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Austin, AR?

Austin has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.

What is average rent in Austin, AR?

The median gross rent in Austin is $1,284 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Austin?

The median home value in Austin is $209,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Austin?

The median household income in Austin is $93,315 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Austin, AR?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Austin is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Austin, AR affordable?

Yes, Austin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.

Austin at a Glance

Population
3,805
Median Income
$93,315
Home Value
$209,800
Median Rent
$1,284/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Sales Tax
9.5%
View all cities in Arkansas →
🗺️ County data for Arkansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

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