Cost of Living in Austin, TX
Population 967,862 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
As one of the larger cities in Texas, Austin carries the economic weight typical of a major metro — diversified employment, a broader housing market, and household incomes around $91,461 that reflect a mix of high and low earners.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Austin
The median home value in Austin is $512,700 — 68% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,655/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $91,461/year is 23% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 80.5°F and lows of 59.4°F. Overall, Austin has a cost of living index of 151 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 63 | 67 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 93 | 97 | 98 | 91 | 83 | 72 | 64 |
| Low °F | 42 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 67 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 61 | 51 | 43 |
| Precip" | 2.64 | 1.89 | 2.88 | 2.42 | 5.04 | 3.68 | 1.96 | 2.74 | 3.45 | 3.91 | 2.92 | 2.72 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX?
Austin has a cost index of 151 (100 = national average). It is 51% above the national average.
What is average rent in Austin, TX?
The median gross rent in Austin is $1,655 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Austin?
The median home value in Austin is $512,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Austin?
The median household income in Austin is $91,461 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Austin, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Austin is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Austin, TX affordable?
Austin is above average in cost of living, with an index of 151 — about 51% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Austin?
Austin has average high temperatures of 80.5°F and average lows of 59.4°F. Annual precipitation is 36.2". Average annual snowfall is 0.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Austin at a Glance
- Population
- 967,862
- Median Income
- $91,461
- Home Value
- $512,700
- Median Rent
- $1,655/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 80.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
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Texas Rankings
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