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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Austin: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

1.9% below

Cost of living in Austin is 1.9% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metro area (index 98.1; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Austin is $1,770 a month.

Cost of living in Austin by category

Overall prices

98.1U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−1.9% vs. U.S.

Goods
93.8 −6.2%
Housing (rents)
120.4 +20.4%
Utilities
82.0 −18.0%
Other services
96.2 −3.8%

BEA 2024 · Austin metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,770/mo

Median gross rent

+19% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,593 +22% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,899 +27% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,217 +32% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$571,000 +58% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,801 +38% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$176/mo

Average electric bill

+12% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
15.9¢/kWh −13% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$27.17/Mcf +40% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
82.0

EIA July 2026 · Texas statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

24.2min

Mean travel time to work

−11% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
57.5%
Work from home
24.8%
Gasoline (Texas)
$3.80/gal −13% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$229/wk

Center care, infant

+32% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$214/wk +39% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$209/wk +45% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$206/wk +44% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Travis County Details: Child care

Income

$90,430/yr

Median household income

+11% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
23%
Home value to income
6.3×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Austin

Median gross rent in Austin is $1,770 a month, 19% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 38.8% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 32.1% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $571,000, and 16.6% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Austin vs. Texas vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Austin: $1,770; Texas: $1,475; U.S.: $1,487 Austin $1,770 Texas $1,475 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Austin: $2,801; Texas: $2,211; U.S.: $2,035 Austin $2,801 Texas $2,211 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Austin: $571,000; Texas: $313,200; U.S.: $360,600 Austin $571,000 Texas $313,200 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureAustinTexasU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,770$1,475$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,801$2,211$2,035
Median home value$571,000$313,200$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Austin

What renters pay in Austin Share of renter households paying cash rent in Austin by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 2.1%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 2.9%. Median $1,770. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $500: 2.1% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 1% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 2% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 7.3% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 16.6% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 38.8% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 19.4% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 6.8% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 2.9% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,770 (Austin) 38.8%
Show the data table
RangeAustinU.S.
Less than $5002.1%6.1%
$500–$7491%6.8%
$750–$9992%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2497.3%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49916.6%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99938.8%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49919.4%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9996.8%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4993%3.2%
$3,500 or more2.9%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Austin

Home values in Austin Share of owner-occupied homes in Austin by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 2.1%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 8%. Median $571,000. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 2.1% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 1% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 1.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 3% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 3.3% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 14.3% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 17.2% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 26.9% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 14.1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 8.6% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 8% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $571,000 (Austin) 26.9%
Show the data table
RangeAustinU.S.
Less than $100,0002.1%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9991%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9991.4%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9993%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9993.3%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99914.3%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99917.2%12%
$500,000–$749,99926.9%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99914.1%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9998.6%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more8%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Austin

Measure Austin Texas U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,770$1,475$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,593$1,307$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,899$1,475$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,217$1,729$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,801$2,211$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Austin?

At the median, rent takes about 23% of household income in Austin. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $70,800 a year.

The median home is worth $571,000, or 6.3 times the median household income.

Household income in Austin

The median household in Austin earns $90,430 a year, 11% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 19.5% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 10.9% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Austin vs. Texas vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Austin: $90,430; Texas: $79,721; U.S.: $81,604 Austin $90,430 Texas $79,721 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureAustinTexasU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$90,430$79,721$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Austin

Household income distribution in Austin Share of households in Austin by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.8%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 19.5%. Median $90,430. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $10,000: 4.8% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 1.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 5.8% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 10.5% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 12.9% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 8.2% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.6% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 10.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 19.5% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $90,430 (Austin) 19.5%
Show the data table
RangeAustinU.S.
Less than $10,0004.8%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.3%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9991.8%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.4%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.5%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.1%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9995.8%6.4%
$60,000–$74,99910.5%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99912.9%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9998.2%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.6%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99910.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more19.5%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Austin Texas U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $90,430$79,721$81,604
Median home value $571,000$313,200$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metro area scored 98.1 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 120.4; the lowest is utilities at 82.0.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Austin metro area: 98.1; Texas: 97.1; U.S.: 100.0 Austin metro area 98.1 Texas 97.1 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Austin metro area: 93.8; Texas: 98.1; U.S.: 99.6 Austin metro area 93.8 Texas 98.1 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Austin metro area: 120.4; Texas: 96.5; U.S.: 100.6 Austin metro area 120.4 Texas 96.5 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Austin metro area: 82.0; Texas: 87.5; U.S.: 98.4 Austin metro area 82.0 Texas 87.5 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Austin metro area: 96.2; Texas: 97.1; U.S.: 100.1 Austin metro area 96.2 Texas 97.1 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureAustin metro areaTexasU.S.
All items98.197.1100.0
Goods93.898.199.6
Housing (rents)120.496.5100.6
Utilities82.087.598.4
Other services96.297.1100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Texas paid an average of 15.9¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $176 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $27.17 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are Texas averages rather than figures for Austin alone.

Energy prices: Texas vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Texas: 15.9¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Texas 15.9¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Texas: $176; U.S.: $157 Texas $176 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Texas: $27.17; U.S.: $19.40 Texas $27.17 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureTexasU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)15.9¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$176$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$27.17$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Austin who commute spend an average of 24.2 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (57.5% of workers); 24.8% work from home. Regular gasoline averaged $3.80 a gallon in Texas in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Austin: Drove alone 57.5%, Carpooled 8.6%, Public transit 3%, Walked 3.2%, Bicycle 0.9%, Worked from home 24.8%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2%. Texas: Drove alone 71.8%, Carpooled 10.8%, Public transit 1%, Walked 1.6%, Bicycle 0.2%, Worked from home 12.9%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Austin: Drove alone. Austin Austin · Drove alone: 57.5% 57.5% Austin · Carpooled: 8.6% Austin · Public transit: 3% Austin · Walked: 3.2% Austin · Bicycle: 0.9% Austin · Worked from home: 24.8% 24.8% Austin · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2% Texas Texas · Drove alone: 71.8% 71.8% Texas · Carpooled: 10.8% Texas · Public transit: 1% Texas · Walked: 1.6% Texas · Bicycle: 0.2% Texas · Worked from home: 12.9% 12.9% Texas · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationAustinTexasU.S.
Drove alone57.5%71.8%69.2%
Carpooled8.6%10.8%9.2%
Public transit3%1%3.7%
Walked3.2%1.6%2.4%
Bicycle0.9%0.2%0.5%
Worked from home24.8%12.9%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2%1.7%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Austin

Travel time to work in Austin Share of workers who do not work from home in Austin by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.4%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 1.1%. Mean 24.2 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than 5 min: 1.4% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 6.3% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 13.4% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 21.1% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 15.8% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 8.2% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 15.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 4.4% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 5.8% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 4% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 1.1% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 24.2 min (Austin) 21.1%
Show the data table
RangeAustinU.S.
Less than 5 min1.4%2.8%
5–9 min6.3%9.4%
10–14 min13.4%13.1%
15–19 min21.1%15%
20–24 min15.8%14.1%
25–29 min8.2%7%
30–34 min15.2%13.7%
35–39 min3.2%3.4%
40–44 min4.4%4.1%
45–59 min5.8%8.3%
60–89 min4%6.3%
90 min or more1.1%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Austin

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $229 a week in Travis County, or $11,908 over 52 weeks. That is 32% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Travis County Texas (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $229$144$174
Center-based care, toddler $214$136$153
Center-based care, preschool $209$133$144
Center-based care, school-age $197$126$120
Home-based family care, infant $206$131$143
Home-based family care, toddler $196$126$132
Home-based family care, preschool $194$124$131
Home-based family care, school-age $184$120$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Austin prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Austin?

Median rent is $1,593 for a one-bedroom and $1,899 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Austin?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 5.1% pay less than $1,000 a month, 62.7% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 32.1% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Austin?

To keep the median rent of $1,770 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $70,800 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Austin more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metro area at 98.1 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 1.9% below average. Housing rents score 120.4.

How long is the average commute in Austin?

24.2 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Austin?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $229 a week in Travis County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.