Loading Legacy
Austin (Austin metro) has a cost of living 15% above the US average. With no state income tax, your real purchasing power can be very different from your gross salary.
115
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
$1,800
Avg 1BR Rent
per month
None
State Income Tax
no state tax
+15%
vs US Average
cost of living
| Salary | Monthly Take-Home | Rent % of Income | Equivalent US Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,844/mo | 63% | $34,783 |
| $50,000 | $3,513/mo | 51% | $43,478 |
| $60,000 | $4,183/mo | 43% | $52,174 |
| $70,000 | $4,784/mo | 38% | $60,870 |
| $80,000 | $5,370/mo | 34% | $69,565 |
| $90,000 | $5,956/mo | 30% | $78,261 |
| $100,000 | $6,542/mo | 28% | $86,957 |
| $120,000 | $7,707/mo | 23% | $104,348 |
| $150,000 | $9,416/mo | 19% | $130,435 |
| $200,000 | $12,426/mo | 14% | $173,913 |
* Take-home estimates federal + state taxes (single filer, standard deduction). "Equivalent US Salary" = what Austin salary buys nationally.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Austin?
In Austin (cost of living index: 115, US avg=100), $80,000/year has the purchasing power of $69,565 in an average US city. Your monthly take-home after federal + state taxes is approximately $5,370. The average 1-bedroom in Austin costs around $1,800/month — that's 34% of your take-home pay.
What is the cost of living in Austin?
Austin's cost of living index is 115 compared to the US average of 100. This means living in Austin is 15% more expensive than the US average. TX has no state income tax — a significant savings advantage.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Austin?
Using the 30% rent rule, your gross salary should be at least $93,600 to afford the average 1-bedroom in Austin ($1,800/month) with some comfort. A household income of $92,000 or more is generally considered comfortable in Austin.
Does Austin have a state income tax?
No — TX has no state income tax, which is a major financial advantage. This increases your take-home pay by thousands compared to high-tax states like California or New York.
Enter your salary and see purchasing power in 25 US cities, adjusted for cost of living and state taxes.
Open Salary Comparison Calculator