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What does it cost to live in Austin?
Cost of Living in Austin
Published on: November 02, 2023
Pennybacker Bridge over Lake Austin in Austin Texas
Photo By: Ryan Barron

The cost of living in Austin is slightly higher than the national average, but lower than many other major US cities. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index, Austin’s cost of living is 1% higher than the national average. However, it is lower than other major tech hubs like San Francisco (115% higher), San Jose (112% higher), and Seattle (71% higher).

The cost-of-living index is a measure of how much it costs to live in a particular city compared to the national average. It takes into account the cost of housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and other expenses. Austin’s housing costs are the highest of any expense category, with housing costs 16% higher than the national average. However, utilities, goods and services, groceries, and transportation are also slightly lower than the national average.

Here is a breakdown of the cost-of-living index for
Austin, TX in different categories:

  • Housing: 115.5
  • Utilities: 93.6
  • Transportation: 90.9
  • Healthcare: 103.2
  • Groceries: 94.1
  • Miscellaneous goods and services: 98.8

Here is a comparison of the cost of living in
Austin, TX to other major US cities:

City:
Cost of Living Index:
  Austin, TX   101
  San Francisco, CA   215
  San Jose, CA   212
  Seattle, WA   171
  New York City, NY   161
  Los Angeles, CA   151
  Chicago, IL   106
  Denver, CO   105
  Atlanta, GA   97
  Dallas, TX   95
  Houston, TX   94

Overall, Austin has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major US cities. However, it is important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, if you choose to live in a trendy neighborhood or eat out frequently, your cost of living will be higher.

If you are considering moving to Austin, it is important to factor in the cost of living so that you can make an informed decision.