Plus, Austin's Lip Lab is open on South Congress Avenue.
 
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From our friends at KVUE

 
📊 Crunching the numbers 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 a little expensive.

Housing costs in ATX have skyrocketed in recent years — we’re talking home value increasing by ~120% in the last decade. After a stint as one of the most overvalued housing markets in the country, property value in Austin (and Central Texas at large) is falling. Not only that, but housing inventory has reached heights that haven’t been seen in the Capital City in 13 years.

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 $86,556, according to the US Census Bureau. State-wise, Texas is No. 24 in the country for median income at ~$66,963 per household.

A graphic comparing the cost of living in Austin and the nation

The overall cost of living in Austin is higher than the national average.

|

Screenshot via bestplaces.net

The overall cost of living in Austin is higher than the national average, and higher than the rest of the state.

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 $85,000, your max monthly budget for rent and utilities would be about $2,125 (30% of your monthly gross income). The average monthly rent for an apartment in Austin is $1,703 — giving you a little extra spending money.

Meanwhile, if you’re wondering how much you can currently afford to spend on buying a home in Austin, try using SmartAsset’s cost calculator. Factors like your marital status, annual pre-tax income, down payment, and monthly debt will help determine that figure. According to BestPlaces, the median home cost in Austin is $577,400.
 
Asked
 
What would you tell someone who is considering moving here about the cost of living?
A. This is a really affordable city to live
B. Prices are reasonable - not exorbitant, not cheap
C. Prepare yourself for sticker shock - it’s expensive
 
Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services
 
Events
 
Wednesday, Aug. 28
  • Bob’s Running Club | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 6 p.m. | Blue Owl Brewing | Cost of purchase | Enjoy drink specials after this weekly run that welcomes runners, walkers, and sprinters.
  • “The Big Lebowski” | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $12 | Grab your dudes and see this one-of-a-kind film at the Downtown theater.
Thursday, Aug. 29
  • Bonsai Bar | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 7-8 p.m. | Central Machine Works Brewery | $85 | Grab a brew and learn how to make tiny trees at this workshop.
  • For the Joy of It! Free Community West African Dance Class | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex | Free with RSVP | Try out West African dance to the beat of live drummers.
Friday, Aug. 30
  • Big Freedia | Friday, Aug. 30 | 8 p.m. | Mohawk Austin | $28 | Bounce along to Big Freedia, Caleb De Casper, House Of KENZO, and Diamond Dior Davenport.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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Learn
 
Back to school learning cool new skills as an adult
Person seated at table wearing headphones and using a laptop to complete a Rosetta Stone language lesson
A new school year is a great reminder that learning is a lifelong skill. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Name three reasons Rosetta Stone has been a trusted name in language learning for over 30 years? Easy:
  • The immersive platform offers expert-crafted courses in 25+ languages.
  • Just 13 hours of study with Rosetta Stone is equivalent to a full semester of college Spanish.
  • With lessons as short as five minutes, you can hone your skills between classes or meetings, on your commute, or even replace some mindless social media scrolling.
Ready to start learning? Get 50% off 25 languages with Lifetime Unlimited.
 
News Notes
 
Announced
  • Sing it from the rooftops — karaoke bar Ego’s is here to stay. After plumbing fixes and passing inspection, the venue announced it will be able to stay open for the foreseeable future.
Civic
  • Eric Robins swore in as CapMetro’s first chief of police on Monday, Aug. 26. Alongside him were Assistant Chief Joseph Rose and Captain Jeremy Benoit, who will work with public safety ambassadors on welfare checks, lost children, trespassing, suspicious activity, and more within the transit system. (Community Impact)
Opening
  • It’s going to be a boot-scootin’ boogie at the South Congress Avenue Lucchese Bootmaker opening this Thursday, Aug. 29. To celebrate, country musician Parker McCollum will perform a short set, plus a meet and greet, at 7 p.m. The next day, the UT pom squad and Bevo will perform at 11 a.m., followed by a set from THEBROSFRESH.
Development
  • Something new is coming — the owners of Katz’s restaurants (which originated in Austin but now operate in Houston) purchased a property at 618 W. 6th St. at auction. The purchase will be finalized this month, signaling a possible comeback for the restaurant.
Number
  • 12. That’s the longest stretch of triple-digit days that Austin has seen so far this year, compared to 45 days in 2023. With temperatures mostly in the 90º-range in the 10-day forecast, it’s possible that we’ve already seen our last 100º day of 2024. Fingers crossed. (KXAN + KVUE)
Travel
  • Frontier Airlines will begin a nonstop route from Austin to Atlanta starting Friday, Oct. 11. The flight will run three times per week all year on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays, with ticket prices starting at $29. (KXAN)
Eat
  • Former Longhorn Bijan Robinson is taking on an alter ego through Auntie Anne’s — Bijan Mustardson. The NFL player teamed up with the pretzel company for a special edition spicy mustard dip, which is available online and at five Auntie Anne’s locations in Austin.
Asked
  • The State Fair of Texas is Friday, Sept. 27–Sunday, Oct. 20 in Dallas and we want to get your thoughts. Are you interested in coverage from us about the fair? Let us know here.
Sports
  • The Longhorns will take to the field for the first time this season on Saturday, Aug. 31 and the hype is strong. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Travel
    • Our favorite travel hack? Flykitt by Fount. It’s trusted by Navy SEALS and pro athletes to conquer jet lag. Try it for yourself — use code NOJETLAG for 10% off.*
     
     
    Beauty
     
    💋 Pucker up
    The image shows the interior of a modern, stylish store called "Lip Lab Austin." The design features a clean, minimalist aesthetic with a combination of light and pink tones. In the foreground, there is a long counter with several white chairs neatly arranged, likely for customers to sit and participate in activities, such as customizing lip products. The back wall has a large, circular pink display with the store's name in white letters. The ceiling is adorned with round white light fixtures, adding to the chic and contemporary vibe. On the left side, there is a wall with the letters "XO" and other lip-themed decor, while the right side has shelves with various products displayed.
    You can create your ideal lipstick, lip gloss, or lip balm shade in a sleek interior on South Congress Avenue. | Photo courtesy Lip Lab
    Put on your white coat because we’re going to the lab — Lip Lab Austin.

    Lip Lab’s 13th location is now open on South Congress Avenue, joining others in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and more. The boutique experience allows you to create a bespoke lipstick, balm, or gloss (a litmus test for your perfect shade, if you will).

    Here’s how it works — guests will make a reservation (walk-ins are accepted when available) to sit at the bar for about an hour, where they will discuss their ideal shade, flavor, and finish with a Lip Lab Color Expert. The color can be your own vision or matched to an existing shade, like a discontinued lipstick.

    The Color Experts will mix your product — which runs $45-$65 depending on the type — for you and engrave it. When you run out, you can reorder online.

    Ready to stop by? Make an appointment.
     
    The Buy
     
    🛍️ Labor Day weekend sales have begun. Check out some of the best markdowns we’ve found on Amazon:

    This walking pad treadmill is 63% off.

    Snag a Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner while it’s 26% off.

    These pretty lab-grown moissanite earrings are 50% off.

    Great for kitchen prep, this mixing bowl + air-tight lid set is 54% off.

    Get a weighted blanket 50% off.

    This multiple device USB charging station is 48% off.
     
     
    The Wrap
     
    City Editor Figi poses with an adorable goat. Today’s edition by:
    Figi
    From the editor
    Torchy’s is changing its menu at every location across the nation, and a fair amount of menu items will be retired, like the Lil’ Nookies and the Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage taco.

    I’m just glad they’re not changing anything about the Baja Shrimp taco (which I order on corn, of course).
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