Phoenix vs Austin
Cost of Living (2026)

Phoenix is 10% less expensive than Austin. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Arizona's 2.5%.

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At a glance

Phoenix, AZ

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

Austin, TX

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryPhoenix indexAustin indexDifference
Housing130 ✓144+14%
Groceries95 ✓104+9%
Transportation96 ✓105+9%
Healthcare97 ✓107+10%
Utilities96 ✓104+8%

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

Salary equivalency: Phoenix → Austin

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

Salary in PhoenixEquivalent in AustinDifference
$60,000$64,000+$4,000
$80,000$85,000+$5,000
$100,000$106,000+$6,000
$130,000$138,000+$8,000
$150,000$159,000+$9,000
$200,000$212,000+$12,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, Phoenix comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 100 versus 110 for Austin — a difference of approximately 10%.

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

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