Is Austin Cheap or Expensive?
Austin, Texas is the perfect blend of southern charm and big-city amenities. The thriving tech industry, the live music scene, and the natural beauty draw in transplants to Austin. How affordable is this bustling city to live in? In this article, we'll be showing you a breakdown of all the important things in the cost of living for Austin.
Housing: The Most Significant Expense
Housing is one of the major expenses for an average Austinite. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,500, well above the national average. If you want to buy a home, prices start at a median of $450,000 and go upwards for more upscale neighborhoods.
For those seeking more affordable housing, areas like North Austin and Pflugerville are relatively more affordable, though rising demand is steadily driving prices higher.
Groceries and Food
Food is a high point, but food in Austin can sometimes be very variable in cost, with grocery prices being about nationwide average, while dining out can also range from affordable to not-so-affordable. A quick meal from a truck may only cost $10, whereas a fine-dining experience can go well over $50 per person.
Overall, food is affordable, especially if you take advantage of Austin's cheap eats like taco stands and happy hours.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Austin can get pricey if you're not careful. While gas prices are a little below the national average, traffic congestion and limited public transportation can add stress and dollars to your daily routine.
A Capital Metro public transit pass is only $41.25 per month. With a car comes insurance, maintenance, and parking fees that rack up in no time.
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Entertainment and Leisure
The entertainments in Austin vary from the cheap to the expensive, while most of the live music and festivals are free; major ones such as Austin City Limits go as high as several hundred dollars.
Relatively free or very cheap outdoor activities involve things like hiking in Zilker Park or swimming at Barton Springs. For fitness enthusiasts, a decent amount of options will be available; however, boutique gym memberships can start from 100 to 200 dollars per month.
Utilities and Miscellaneous Costs
Utility costs in Austin are somewhat higher than the national average since the summers have a tendency to get extremely hot. The charges for utilities for a normal apartment amount to about $150-200 per month. Internet and cable are additional, costing about $50-100 more per month.
The healthcare is another essential expense in line with the national average but is based on coverage.
Is Austin Affordable?
It all depends on your income and how you live. If one has been living in high-cost cities like San Francisco or New York, then Austin is a bargain. In Texas, there are other smaller cities where one can find a house that is relatively cheaper than here in Austin.
The city will always have a high cost of living, but for so many of its residents, this cost is well worth the incredible culture, job opportunities, and natural beauty.
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Final Thoughts
Living in Austin has its share of pros and cons. For although the cost of housing and utilities might stretch it, the charm of this city, job market, and amenities of lifestyle make people flock to it. You can make use of all that this thriving city has in store to offer you by budgeting prudently and exploring whatever free or low-cost activities are available in Austin.
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