What It's Like to Live and Work in Austin

Tech growth, live music, and no state income tax

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Austin has transformed into a major technology hub. No state income tax is a meaningful advantage, but rapid housing cost growth has compressed the affordability edge it once had over coastal metros.

1BR Rent (HUD FY2026)
$1,562/mo
2BR Rent (HUD FY2026)
$1,852/mo
Median Wage (BLS)
$56,950
State Tax
No income tax

Your breathing room in Austin

Pick an income band to see how the picture shifts.

TightGetting ByComfortableSpacious

At $60-80k (renting alone) in Austin, your breathing room reads as comfortable.

~$4,803/mo take-home
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin
Income Reality Check

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The Bottom Line for 60-80k in Austin

MAYBEThe median 1BR apartment is affordable but tight — roughly 30-40% of take-home.
MAYBESome savings are possible with discipline — but not easily.
NOYour income is below the local median household income of $96,658.
You have real flexibility and savings potential.

Your Income Reality Score

Financial Flexibility
High
Savings Potential
Building
Est. Monthly After Housing
approx $3,241/mo

Purchasing Power Reality

What your salary feels like in other cities

Your 60-80k in Austin feels like approximately $83,044 in Denver — your purchasing power increases by 19%
Your 60-80k in Austin feels like approximately $73,854 in Dallas — your purchasing power increases by 6%
Your 60-80k in Austin feels like approximately $70,717 in Nashville — your purchasing power increases by 1%

Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

Lifestyle Signals — $60-80K in Austin

Commute Burden
Moderate
Social Access
Moderate
Wellness Margin
Moderate
Flex Signal
Moderate

Lifestyle signals are qualitative — not a personal lifestyle assessment. Source: BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey.

Housing

Neighborhood variety: HUD FY2026 FMRs for the Austin-Round Rock MSA: 1BR $1,562 / 2BR $1,852. Austin's FMRs have risen substantially with tech economy growth. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR Schedule.

Rent trend: After rapid rent increases through 2021–2023, Austin's rental market has seen some moderation driven by new supply additions. Source: HUD.

Ownership access: Median home values in Austin metro rose dramatically during the pandemic period. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024.

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents

Career context

Austin's economy has expanded significantly in technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and professional services. BLS 2025 data shows all-occupation median wages of $56,950 and computer/math at $114,350. Major employers include Dell, Apple, Tesla, Samsung. Source: BLS OES 2025.

Austin is a car-dependent metro (Walk Score 42). Budget for car ownership — AAA estimates the average new car costs $11,577/year to own and operate.

TX has no state income tax — a meaningful boost to take-home pay at every income level. Texas has no state income tax. Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Often compared with

Austin vs DenverAustin vs DallasAustin vs Nashville
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FAQ

FAQ — Living in Austin

Is Austin still affordable compared to coastal cities?

Austin's HUD FY2026 2BR FMR of $1,852 is notably lower than San Francisco ($3,604), Seattle ($2,501), or Boston ($2,941). Source: HUD FY2026.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.