Cost of Living indices generally look at income along with the cost of housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and other expenses to determine how expensive it is to live in various locations. Housing is one of the major expensives for most households, along with healthcare and groceries. However, the cost of housing in Austin is generally lower than comparable cities in the US.
Unless otherwise noted figures shown here are for the Austin-San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area1 (MSA). Note that data is primarily from 2002-2005 with some exceptions. Some sources use Austin-Round Rock for their cost of living figures. Due to differences in methodology among sources, these numbers should be looked at as a starting point in analyzing the cost of moving to and living in the Austin area. Your actual income, housing costs, taxes, and other associated expenses will vary.
Austin Among Least Expensive US Cities
The ACCRA-the Council for Community and Economic Research ranks Austin along with nine other US Cities from lowest to highest (most expensive) cost of living in 4th quarter 2005.
- Raleigh
- Dallas
- Austin
- Atlanta
- Phoenix
- Denver
- Seattle
- Chicago
- Boston
- San Francisco
Use this Cost-of-Living Wizard to compare the cost of living where you are now with the cost of living where you plan to be based on your salary.
