Texas • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Austin, Texas

Overall cost of living: -4% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Austin.

Housing
-3% vs avg
Utilities
-1% vs avg
Groceries
-5% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-3% vs avg
Median Home Price
$517,035
Median Rent
$1,552 / month
Energy Bill
$217.93 / month
Phone Bill
$194.42 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$2.91 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-5% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$3.89
Gallon of Milk
$4.51
Carton of Eggs
$4.46
Bunch of Bananas
$0.73
Hamburger
$5.51
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$138.91
Dentist Visit
$111.58
Optometrist Visit
$126.52
Rx Drug
$20.11
Veterinary Visit
$68.02

Austin in the Context of Texas

State Avg Cost Index96.9
State Avg Rent$1,152/mo
State Income TaxNone
Cities in State521

Other Cities in Texas

About Living in Austin, Texas

Austin is located in Texas and has an overall cost of living that is -4% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Austin.

Housing: Median rent in Austin is $1,552 / month, and the median home price is $517,035. Housing costs are -3% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($3.89), milk ($4.51), and eggs ($4.46) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -5% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($138.91), dentist visits ($111.58), and prescription drugs ($20.11). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Texas has no state income tax, which means residents of Austin keep more of their earnings. This is especially beneficial for high-income earners and retirees.

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Austin, Texas Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Austin.

Austin, Texas has an overall cost of living that is -4% the national average. Housing costs are -3% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -5% vs average. Utilities are -1% vs average. This makes Austin a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Austin, Texas is $1,552 / month. Average energy bills run $217.93 / month. Phone bills average $194.42 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Austin: doctor's visit averages $138.91, dentist visit averages $111.58, prescription drugs average $20.11. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -5% grocery cost difference.
Austin is one of 521 cities tracked in Texas. With an overall cost -4% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our Texas state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Austin offers cost of living -4% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $517,035, rent of $1,552 / month, and no state income tax in Texas. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Austin fits your budget.