Austin, TX, US
Live Music Capital with booming tech, no state income tax, and a vibrant culture.
Overview
Austin is a city in TX with a population of 978,908. Live Music Capital with booming tech, no state income tax, and a vibrant culture. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.5.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Austin vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $78,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Population: 978,908
Climate
- Sunny Days: 228/year
- Summer High: 96°F
- Winter Low: 41°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $450,000
- 1BR Rent: $1650/mo
Cost of Living
Austin's cost of living index is 119.3 (US average = 100).
| Category | Austin | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 119.3 | 100 | +19.3% |
| Housing | 159.2 | 100 | +59.2% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1650/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Austin:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $135 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $33 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $29 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $75 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $357 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Austin scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Austin has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61°F | 41°F | 2.5" |
| April | 81°F | 56°F | 2.8" |
| July | 96°F | 71°F | 1.5" |
| October | 76°F | 59°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Austin faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Frequent drought conditions.
Flash floods.
Gulf Coast frequently affected by hurricanes.
Wildfire risk.
Dust storms in western regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8.25%
- Property Tax: ~1.8% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Austin per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Austin is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX, US?
The cost of living index in Austin is 119.3, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Austin?
The median home price in Austin is $450,000. The housing index is 159.2.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Austin is approximately $1650/mo.
Does Austin, TX have income tax?
Austin is in TX, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Austin?
Austin enjoys approximately 228 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 96°F, while winter lows can drop to around 41°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.