Austin vs Phoenix
Cost of Living (2026)

Phoenix is 9% more affordable than Austin. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Arizona's 2.5%.

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At a glance

Austin, TX

COL index110
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$520K
VS

Phoenix, AZ

COL index100 ✓
State income tax2.5%
Avg 1BR rent$1,450/mo ✓
Median home price$395K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryAustin indexPhoenix indexDifference
Housing144130 ✓-14%
Groceries10495 ✓-9%
Transportation10596 ✓-9%
Healthcare10797 ✓-10%
Utilities10496 ✓-8%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Austin → Phoenix

What salary in Phoenix gives you the same purchasing power as your Austin salary?

Salary in AustinEquivalent in PhoenixDifference
$60,000$57,000$-3,000
$80,000$75,000$-5,000
$100,000$94,000$-6,000
$130,000$123,000$-7,000
$150,000$141,000$-9,000
$200,000$189,000$-11,000

Austin vs Phoenix: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 100 versus 110 for Austin — a difference of approximately 9%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin workers an immediate 2.5% take-home pay advantage over Phoenix workers who pay Arizona's 2.5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Austin is $520,000, compared to $395,000 in Phoenix. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,650/month in Austin versus $1,450/month in Phoenix.

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