Austin

United States, TX

No-state-income-tax tech hub. Rents have cooled from 2022 peak but live music, BBQ, and outdoor culture endure.

Humid subtropicalUSDEnglish965,000 people

The numbers

Cost, tax, and quality of life

Cost of living

Verified

74 idx

BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) · Jun 2026 ↗

Rent · 1BR center

Verified

$1,750 /mo

Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) · Jun 2026 ↗

Effective tax (remote)

Verified

20%

Tax Foundation state income tax rates (2025) · Jun 2026 ↗

Healthcare

Verified

70 idx

CMS Care Compare · Jun 2026 ↗

Safety

Verified

64 idx

FBI Crime Data Explorer · Jun 2026 ↗

Internet

Verified

280 Mbps

Ookla Speedtest Global Index — US · Jun 2026 ↗

Climate score

Verified

78 idx

NOAA U.S. Climate Normals (1991-2020) · Jun 2026 ↗

Freedom

Verified

88 idx

Cato Freedom in the 50 States (2023) · Jun 2026 ↗

If price is the problem

Cheaper cities with a similar vibe

See all alternatives →

Montevideo

49% cheaper rent · 12% lower cost of living · same climate

Rent: $900/mo

Compare with Austin →

Tbilisi

69% cheaper rent · 59% lower cost of living · same climate

Rent: $550/mo

Compare with Austin →

Tampa

12% lower cost of living · same climate

Rent: $1,700/mo

Compare with Austin →

What's next

Compare Austin against your situation

Take the 90-second quiz to see how Austin stacks up against alternatives — and whether it actually fits your income, intent, and life.

Take the quiz →