How much does it cost to live in Austin?

Typical monthly costs in Austin are approximately $1,900 in rent and $1,800 in other expenses, totalling around $3,700/month.

How much should I save in Austin?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a high cost city like Austin, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Austin · USD · high cost city

Cost of living in Austin — is your salary enough?

Austin rents rose over 30% between 2020 and 2023, erasing the cost advantage that drew migrants from coastal cities. Austin income levels grew with tech migration, but so did costs — the affordability advantage has largely been arbitraged away.

Rent in Austin

Budget$1,400 – $1,700/mo

Typical$1,900 – $2,200/mo

Premium$2,500+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$1,800/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$3,700/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Austin costs ($1,900 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -19.8%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving 3.8%

Falling Behind

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 28.5%

Ahead

See your personal verdict for Austin

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$1,900/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Austin salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Austin rent too high?