Quick answer
Austin 1BR rent: $1,650/mo. Walk Score: 41/100. State tax: None. Pick your lifestyle below for a personalised breakdown.
TX · 2026
Is Austin Good For You?
Austin, TX evaluated for 7 different lifestyles — remote workers, families, retirees, young professionals, tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time renters. Pick yours for a personalised cost-of-living breakdown.
1BR rent
$1,650/mo
Walk Score
41/100
State tax
None
Median home
$548K
Choose Your Lifestyle
Is Austin Good for Remote Workers?
Cost savings, walkability, and time-zone fit for remote roles
Is Austin Good for Families?
School districts, home prices, and family quality of life
Is Austin Good for Retirees?
State tax on retirement income, healthcare, and walkability
Is Austin Good for Young Professionals?
Job market, nightlife, rent-to-salary ratio, and social scene
Is Austin Good for Tech Workers?
Tech job market depth, salary vs. cost savings over SF/NYC
Is Austin Good for Outdoor Enthusiasts?
Climate, trail access, and outdoor recreation proximity
Is Austin Good for First-Time Renters?
What rent actually costs, red flags to avoid, and upfront budget
Austin at a Glance
No state income tax saves a $90K earner roughly $4,500/year vs California. For tech workers, the cost-to-career ratio beats every other major US city — but only if you can live with car dependency, brutal summers, and a power grid that has a documented failure history.