Cost of living · Austin, TX · 2026
What salary do you need to live in Austin, TX?
What salary do you need to live in Austin, TX?
To cover the essentials living alone in Austin, TX — about $2,440 a month — you need to earn roughly $34,000 a year before tax (accounting for TX state tax). To live comfortably, with money left for savings, closer to $46,000. Rent alone is $1,550 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by $34,000 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable $46,000 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in Austin, TX
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $170 |
| Transport | $130 |
| Food | $460 |
| Health | $130 |
| Total | $2,440 |
On the $34,000 "get by" salary, your take-home is about $2,458 a month — just covering the $2,440 of essentials.
Roommates change everything. Splitting rent and utilities can cut the salary you need by tens of thousands. Run your own numbers →