6AM City In-house

What it takes to live in Austin

How much it costs to live in Austin
The Austin skyline as seen from Lady Bird Lake, with pink sunset sky
Let’s take another look at the cost of living in Austin, TX. | Photo by @a_veggie_in_austin
It’s no surprise to hear Austin is getting a little expensive.

Housing costs in ATX have skyrocketed in recent years — we’re talking increasing by ~170% in the last decade — earning the Capital City the title of second-most overpriced housing market in the country this summer. Things have cooled down a bit in recent months, but home prices are still on the rise.

All that said, we were curious: how does the cost of other expenses in Austin compare to the state or nation? And how does Austin compare to other major Texas cities? Let’s break it down.

Getting started

The median household income in Austin is $75,752 according to the US Census Bureau. State-wise, Texas is No. 21 in the country for median income at ~$63,800 per household.

In Austin, the cost of healthcare is barely lower compared to other parts of the state + the US. And the cost of groceries, housing, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses in the city have higher average costs than other cities in Texas and the country overall.

Breaking down the numbers

Okay, we do need to talk about housing for a moment. Hypothetically speaking, if you live in a household that brings in $50,000 annually – according to experts — you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your monthly gross income on rent and utilities.

Don’t worry, we did the math for you — your max monthly budget would be $1,250. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Austin is currently $1,826 — putting you over budget.

However, according to a recent study by Attom Data Solutions, it’s more affordable to rent than to buy a home in Travis County.

Click the button below to see how Austin’s cost of living compares to that of Dallas. (You can also check out comparisons to Houston + San Antonio.)
DIG DEEPER

POLL
What would you tell someone who is considering moving here about the cost of living?

A. Prepare yourself for sticker shock - it’s expensive
B. Prices are reasonable - not exorbitant, not cheap
C. This is a really affordable city to live
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
6AM City In-house

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Today
  • “The Lady From The Sea” by Henrik Ibsen | Now-Sun., Oct. 23 | 8 p.m. | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. | $25+ | This play tells the story of a woman choosing between her husband and the thrill of the ocean’s deep. 🎭
  • Rhett Miller | Thu., Oct. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. | $28+ | The singer-songwriter behind the Old 97’s is presenting new projects.
Friday
  • Austin Tattoo Expo | Fri., Oct. 21-Sun., Oct. 23 | 1-11 p.m. | Austin Marriott South, 4415 S. I-35 | $20+ | Head to third annual expo, hosted by “Ink Masters,” for live tattooing all weekend by 80+ award-winning artists.
  • Gem Capers 2022 | Fri., Oct. 21-Sun., Oct. 23 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. | Free+ | The Austin Gem and Mineral Society’s annual show includes more than 30 vendors selling beads, minerals, fossils, and crystals.
Saturday
  • 36th Annual Austin Homes Tour | Sat., Oct. 22-Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | AIA Austin, 801 W. 12th St. | $10+ | Tour Austin’s most beautiful homes designed by local architects. 🏠
  • Post Malone: Twelve Carat Tour | Sat., Oct. 22 | 8 p.m. | Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr. | $139+ | The rap artist will be joined by Roddy Ricch on his “Twelve Carat Tour.”
  • Roots & Wings Festival | Sat., Oct. 22-Sat., Nov. 5 | Times vary | Multiple locations | Free | This two-week festival honoring butterflies + bees includes events around Austin, such as pollinator garden planting and guided walks. 🦋
Sunday
  • Indigo Girls | Sun., Oct. 23 | 7 p.m. | Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, 801 Red River St. | $38 | Throw it back with tunes from this folk-rock duo. 🎶


We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 85º | Sunny | 1% chance of rain ☀️
Announced
  • Armani White, Algiers, and iLe will perform at the SXSW Music Festival this spring, organizers announced yesterday. Check out the full list of bands slated to play in March. 🎶
Number
  • 164. That’s how many days this year have been at or above 90º — tying 2022 with 2011 for the record. That title could be earned in full later this week, however, as 90º temps are currently predicted on Sunday. (KXAN)
Watch
  • Austin, we fed Phil. The newest season of Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil” was released earlier this week, and dedicates an episode to the Capital City. Here are the restaurants that made the show. 🍗 (Eater Austin)
Travel
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for record-breaking travel this weekend due to Formula One race weekend. The single-day passenger record was broken on Monday, defeating the previous record made during F1 weekend last year. ✈️ (Austin American-Statesman)
Coming Soon
  • Austin athletes, we’ve got great news: a 16,000-sqft ninja obstacle course is coming to ATX. The new Ninja Nation location will be at 6500 N. Lamar Blvd., and is designed by Geoff Britten of “American Ninja Warrior.” 🥷 (KVUE)
Closing
  • Swift Pizza Co. in Govalle closed permanently this month due to a series of break-ins at the site. The parent company, which is also behind Grizzelda’s and Jacoby’s, has plans for a new restaurant at 3223 E. 7th St. (Eater Austin)
Award
  • San Antonio-based H-E-B donated $1 million to Texas State Parks, in honor of the agency’s 100th birthday this year. Texas State Parks will celebrate its centennial later this year on Sat., Dec. 31. (CultureMap Austin)
Civic
  • Austin’s Parks and Recreation will install two historical markers at Wooldridge Square this Fri., Oct. 28, recognizing the space for a Lone Star Legacy Award and as a part of the National Votes for Women Trail.
Environment
  • Texas’ Parks and Wildlife Department has identified a flock of poultry with highly pathogenic avian influenza. Risk is currently low, but the agency is warning hunters, animal rehabilitators, and farmers to wear gloves + take care when disinfecting tools. (Austin American-Statesman)
Shop
Learn
  • Did you know? Babbel offers multiple ways to learn a new language (think: lessons, podcasts, videos, and live online classes). ATXtoday readers can choose from 14 languages with lessons that focus on practical, everyday phrases — plus useful tips and cultural knowledge to better understand the words they’re learning. Me encanta. 🗺️ *
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Events

Fitzhugh Brewing celebrates two years
ATX_FitzhughBrewing
Fitzhugh Brewing is celebrating two years of business and their newest hire, Chef Andrew Lange, with a day-long party this weekend. | Photo courtesy of Fitzhugh Brewing
Time flies when you’re eatin’ and drinkin’ good.

Fitzhugh Brewery is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary with a free day-long party at 15435 Fitzhugh Rd. in Dripping Springs. Come hang and experience the festivities between 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Oct. 22.

A timeline of events can be found on their website, but here’s a short n’ sweet list for your convenience:
  • Beer + food specials
  • Live music
  • Local artisan vendors
  • Activities for kids
To add to the excitement, the brewery will also be celebrating their newest employee, Chef Andrew Lange.

Andrew will be overseeing the kitchen and bringing a plethora of new menu items to the Texas establishment. These additions will be scratch-made and include traditional comfort foods, smoked meats, and seasonal sides with a twist. Check out the full menu here.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: If I’m being honest, I’m a little disappointed we’re returning to warm weather again today — I love chilly days, especially with a good book and cup of coffee.

Send me recommendations (for books and for coffee) so I can prepare for our next cold front. 📚 ☕️

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Let’s talk about Lucktoberfest.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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