Cost of Living in Austin, TX [2025]
It’s no secret that Austin is a booming city known for its incredible live music venues and outstanding food. Austin offers a unique blend of tech culture and outdoorsy types who enjoy the city’s parks, river access, hiking, and biking. Of course, you can’t forget about the Congress Bridge Bats, the largest urban bat colony in the country, consisting of somewhere around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.
The city is so widely known for its quirky and fascinating qualities, which is why the city’s slogan has been “Keep Austin Weird” for the last twenty years. According to US News & World Report, this weirdness presents itself in charm, as Austin was ranked No. 1 Best Place to Live by US News & World Report in 2019.
Whether you’re looking to move to Austin to be a part of the tech scene, enjoy nature, or some combination of both, you’ll want to get a good idea of what the costs will look like. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Austin to better understand how much you need to live there.
Cost of Living in Austin
What Is the Cost of Living in Austin?
According to Best Places, the cost of living in Austin, TX is currently 29.11% higher than the national average, making it a pricey place to relocate, whether you're a college student, tech professional, or want a change of place in one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Let's look at a few different ways to think about cost of living in realistic terms so you can have a better sense of how much you can afford in Austin.
| City | Austin | Texas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 129.1 | 94.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 96.7 | 93.7 | 100 |
| Health | 101.6 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 189.0 | 83.5 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $577,400 | $297,600 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 99.1 | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 109.9 | 103.3 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 105.9 | 83.2 | 100 |
Austin is among the most expensive cities in Texas, but where you choose to live can make a bit impact on your cost of living. We put together some of the best neighborhoods in Austin here to narrow down your choices. But if you're strictly concerned about costs, you can look at the cheapest rents in Austin here.
Where Is the Most Expensive Place to Live in Austin?
There is no shortage of pricey neighborhoods in Austin, but Crestview is among the most expensive for renters. Depending on your apartment and amenities, you could pay around $2,269 a month.
Where is the Most Affordable Place to Live in Atlanta?
Although inexpensive rentals in Austin are challenging to find, Windsor Hills is among the cheapest neighborhood. Rents range from $750 to $1,400 with an average rent of $1,129 a month. Of course, safety is paramount when it comes to anywhere you choose to live. Make sure you look over our safest neighborhoods to live in Austin.
How Much is Rent in Austin, TX?
According to the latest Rent Report on Austin, the median rent index overall in Austin is $1,394 after falling 1.1% last month and are down 7.2% year-over-year. That's good news after Austin was considered the country's fasted growing city with sky-high rents.
| Bedrooms | Median Rent Price |
|---|---|
| Overall | $1,394 |
| 1-Bedrooms | $1,235 |
| 2-Bedrooms | $1,503 |
When it comes to Austin's rental market, there is relief in site. Austin’s rent growth over the past year has has fallen behind the state's decline of -2.7% and national average of -0.6%.
However, rent growth in Austin currently ranks it as #86 among large U.S. cities. If you consider Austin rents went down 1.1% in the past month, you can compare that to the national rate of -0.6%. Now we can look at similar monthly rent growth in cities like Durham, NC (-1.1%) and Mesa, AZ (-1.1%).
How Much is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Austin, TX?
If you're looking for a 1-bedroom in Austin, you'll spend a median rent of $1,235 for a one-bedroom. Of course, that figure will change depending on the neighborhood. Here are a few examples of the starting rent in different areas of Austin:
| Area | Rent |
|---|---|
| Overall | $1,235 |
| Downtown | $1,150 |
| Clarksville | $1,300 |
| East Austin | $1,650 |
How Much is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Austin, TX?
For renters who need more space or are looking for a roommate, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $1,503 a month. However, you can see the fluctuations in rent will vary widely depending on the neighborhood you choose:
| Area | Rent |
|---|---|
| Overall | $1,503 |
| Downtown | $2,200 |
| Clarksville | $1,500 |
| East Austin | $1,700 |
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Austin, TX?
Once you have an idea of how much apartments are in Austin, it's important to understand how much you can afford to spend on rent. If we use a standard budgeting rule that says rent should be no more than 30% of your income before taxes, and we refer to Apartment List rent report data to get a current average rent of $1,235 for a 1-bedroom apartment, then we can determine that you would need to earn about $49,400 a year, $4,116.67 a month, or $23.75 an hour to live in Austin.
If you're on a tight budget, you could also think about the basic living wage in Austin. According to data from MIT, the living wage in Austin is $23.98 an hour. This recommended salary is for a very basic lifestyle while in Austin. If you want to factor in debt repayments, dining, entertainment, and savings, you’ll need to anticipate these needs and search for a higher salary, a less expensive apartment, or in a perfect world, both.
Finally, we'll look to the U.S. Census Bureau, at the median income in Austin which is currently $91,4611. Thankfully, the typical annual salaries for common professions in Austin are highly competitive. The three highest typical annual salaries belong to Management, Computer and Mathematical, and Architecture and Engineering positions, respectively.
How Much Is Housing in Austin, TX?
The Austin housing market is also seeing steady growth, with median home prices currently at $577,400, which you can compare to the Texas state average of $297,600 and the national average of $338,100.
How Much Is Transportation in Austin, TX?
Austin’s official public transportation operator is the Capital Metro Bus System, which covers 535-square miles in its service area. Capital Metro Bus System, or CapMetro, spans across 1,600 bus stops with 82 routes throughout Central Texas.
Tickets for CapMetro, including MetroRapid limited-stop, MetroFlyer, MetroExpress, and University of Texas Shuttle routes, can be purchased individually at $2.50 for day passes and $7 for commuter services. You can buy local day passes, or commuter passes online.
In addition to the CapMetro, Austin also offers a MetroRail, which crosses a 32-mile line from Leander to the Convention Center near downtown Austin. MetroRail operates every day except Sundays from 7 am until 1:30 or 2:30 am. You can also purchase tickets for MetroRail online, which has a $7 per day pass.
While public transportation in Austin is highly dependable, other modes of transportation are available, such as ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Additional transportation methods include taxis, car rentals, and chauffeur services, although these tend to be costly in comparison.
If you're a single adult with no children, you'll spend about $10,248for transportation in Austin over a year. A family of four, including two working adults and two children, will pay $14,940 for transportation in one year.
If you're a remote worker, you won't have to worry about transportation costs that much and luckily, Austin is one of the country's best cities for remote workers. Fortunately, Austin also has a solid walk score of 42, a transit score of 35, and a bike score of 54.
If you want to get by without a car, you can also choose to live in Austin's most walkable neighborhoods. Look for rentals in Downtown Austin, West University, University of Texas-Austin, and North University.
How Much Are Groceries in Austin?
Austin offers countless dining options, from hip gastropubs to family-friendly spots and upscale restaurants. Eating out in Austin will cost an average of $18 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant will run $71 without alcohol or dessert.
If you're a single adult without children, you can expect to pay at least $4,177 on food per year. If you're a family of four with two working adults and two children, you can expect to pay $12,276 per year for food.
You can anticipate around the national average or slightly below for food items regarding grocery market pricing. For example, one gallon of regular milk will run you $4.38 in the grocery store, with the national average being $3.83.
How Much Is Healthcare in Austin, TX?
When planning your budget in Austin, you will also want to account for proper medical care. A single adult without children will pay around $2,967 for medical care over the year. Two working adults with two children will pay $10,034.
How Much Are Utilities in Austin?
According to Numbeo, the average cost of utilities per month in Austin is $182.99, which is lower than the national average of $206.21. This covers electric, gas/fuel, and water. Adding on the a phone plan, as well as Internet with 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data, cable/ADSL will cost you an extra $127.45 for a total of $333.66 each month.
While winters in Austin remain temperate for the most part, the coldest days of the year falling in January with an average overnight temperature of 40°, summers are known for being very hot and humid. August is the hottest month, where the average daytime high is typically 95.6°. You should plan ahead for a spike in your electric bill during the summer months.
You can find out more information about how much utilities will cost in an apartment before you move.
Austin Fitness and Entertainment
If you plan to keep fit, you’ll want to consider club membership costs. The monthly fee for a fitness club membership for one adult is $46.77.
Otherwise, when weather permits, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Austin outdoors. Enjoy hiking trails across the city like Lady Bird Lake Trail, Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, or Twin Falls.
There is plenty of entertainment throughout the city, and a seat at the local cinema will cost you $14 without snacks or drinks. You can also save a few bucks by checking out one of the seven public parks in Austin, including Mueller Lake Park, Mayfield Park, Nature Preserve, or Zilker Metropolitan Park.
How Much Are Taxes in Austin, TX?
Texas is known for being a tax-friendly state because it does not collect any income tax. Homebuyers also benefit further as the state does not have property taxes.
Unfortunately for renters, Austin's tax is higher than the national average of 7.12%. Austin’s sales tax is currently 8.25%, which combines the state, county, and city rates.
Find Your Next Apartment in Austin
Austin’s vibrant blend of live music, tech innovation, and outdoor adventures makes it one of the most exciting cities to call home. Whether you're drawn to its quirky charm, natural beauty, or thriving career opportunities, there’s something for everyone in Austin.
Ready to find your perfect Austin apartment? Start your search with Apartment List and explore thousands of available rentals that fit your lifestyle and budget.
FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to Austin in 2025
How expensive is an apartment in Austin?
A one bedroom apartment in Austin costs $1,235, and a two bedroom will cost $1,503.
What is the cheapest rent in Austin?
Currently, the cheapest rent in Austin for a one-bedroom apartment. You’ll pay a median rent of $1,235 on rent.
How expensive is it to live in Austin?
The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Austin is $1,235. Public transportation fares start at $2.50 for a day pass with monthly rates available. Food costs about $4,177 a year in Austin, which includes meals and snacks. Eating out will cost an average of $18 for a meal at a low-cost restaurant for a single entree, or $71 for two at a mid-range restaurant.
How far is Austin from Houston?
Ausin is 162.3 miles away from Houston via I-10 W and State Hwy 71 W. It takes about 2 hours and 45-minutes to drive between Austin and Houston. There are also bus services between Austin and Houston.
How far is Austin from Dallas?
The distance between Austin and Dallas is 195 miles via I-35E and I-35 S. It takes a little over three hours to drive. Limited Amtrak and bus service is also available between Austin and Dallas.
How far is Austin from San Antonio?
Austin to San Antonio is 79.5 miles via I-35. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Austin to San Antonio. Bus and Amtrak service is also available.
How far is Waco from Austin?
The distance between Austin to Waco is 102.2 miles via I-35N. It takes one hour and thirty-nine minutes to drive between the two cities. Bus and train service is also available between Austin and Waco.
What is the population of Austin?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Austin was 979,882 in 2024. The entire population of the state of Texas is 31,290,831.
What is a good salary in Austin?
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average salary for Austin residents is $91,461. However, to stick to the rule of spending only 30% on your monthly income on rent, you will need an income of $49,400 to live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment, which currently costs $1,235.
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