What is the cost of living in Austin?

The cost of living in Austin is 43.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 56.8). Groceries are 27.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 18.0% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,924 per month. Local purchasing power index is 167.7 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 TX, United States · #77 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Austin?

Q: Should I move to Austin?

Austin, TX, United States has a cost of living 43.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 56.8). It is ranked #77 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 167.7 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

43.2% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-43.2%

vs NYC

USD 1,924

1-BR, city centre

167.7

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Austin?

Cost breakdown: Austin

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

56.8 Expensive

Rent

43.1 Affordable

Groceries

72.1 Moderate

Restaurants

82.0 Above average

Purchasing Power

167.7 Very strong

Rent in Austin

1-BR, city centre USD 1,924/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,288/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,611/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,571/mo

Save by going outside centre 33% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Dallas

TX, United States

CoL index 58.5

Compare Dallas vs Austin →

🇺🇸 Fort Worth

TX, United States

CoL index 54.8

Compare Fort Worth vs Austin →

🇺🇸 Houston

TX, United States

CoL index 53.7

Compare Houston vs Austin →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Austin after tax, in seconds.

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