Cost of Living in Austin
United States
Monthly budget (single)
$2,523–$3,995/month
$2,523 – $3,995 (local currency)
Last updated: 2026-03
Can you afford to live in Austin?
Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,892 – $2,944 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $999 – $1,577 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | $79–$152 | $79 – $152 |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $32 – $53 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $399–$599 | $399 – $599 |
| Eating out (per meal, mid-range) | $53–$95 | $53 – $95 |
| Coffee | $4–$6 | $4 – $6 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $100–$121 | $100 – $121 |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $37 – $68 |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $15 – $19 |
Budget scenarios
Single
$2,523–$3,995/mo USD
$2,523 – $3,995
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,944/mo
- Groceries: ~$599/mo
- Transport: ~$121/mo
Couple
$3,995–$6,097/mo USD
$3,995 – $6,097
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,944/mo
- Groceries: ~$599/mo
- Transport: ~$121/mo
Family
$5,782–$8,936/mo USD
$5,782 – $8,936
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$2,944/mo
- Groceries: ~$599/mo
- Transport: ~$121/mo
Neighbourhood guide
Austin Center
CentralUrban core, transit access
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,365–$3,680/mo ($2,365 – $3,680)
Austin Midtown
CentralMixed residential
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,081–$3,238/mo ($2,081 – $3,238)
Austin Outer
SuburbanQuieter, family-friendly
Est. 1-bed rent: $1,514–$2,355/mo ($1,514 – $2,355)
Quality of life scores
Pros & cons
✅ Pros
- • No state income tax
- • Music scene
- • Startups
❌ Cons
- • Heat
- • Sprawl
- • Rising costs
Similar cities & cheaper alternatives
Compare Austin with another city
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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.