Moving from Houston, TX to Austin, TX
Thinking about moving from Houston, TX to Austin, TX? Overall prices are 1% lower in Austin, TX than in Houston, TX, making Austin, TX the more affordable of the two. This guide breaks down housing, income, taxes, and climate using the latest US government data so you can plan your relocation budget with realistic numbers rather than guesswork.
Salary calculator
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$73,904
You could earn $1,096 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Housing
Median rent is 21% higher in Austin ($1,729) than in Houston ($1,361). The typical home value is 50% higher in Austin ($555,300) than in Houston ($277,800). Factor in moving costs, deposits, and the gap between advertised and median rents when you set a housing budget.
Income & jobs
Median household income is 31% higher in Austin ($93,658) than in Houston ($64,813). After adjusting pay for local prices, a typical paycheck goes further in Austin, TX.
Taxes
State tax figures for this route are still being compiled.
Climate & air quality
Average air quality index is 9% higher in Austin (65.0) than in Houston (59.0). Lower AQI means cleaner air on a typical day, though seasonal wildfire smoke and pollen can shift this.
Quick numbers
Metric
Houston
TX
Austin
TX
Median rent
Median home value
Median income
Cost index
Sources: US Census ACS · BEA Regional Price Parities
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin, TX cheaper than Houston, TX?
Yes. Austin, TX has an overall cost index of 98.3 versus 99.7 in Houston, TX — about 1% cheaper overall.
How much is rent in Austin, TX?
The median gross rent in Austin is $1,729 per month (US Census ACS).
What salary do you need in Austin, TX?
Median household income in Austin is $93,658. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current Houston pay into the equivalent you'd need in Austin.