The Real Cost of Living in Austin What to Expect

Living in Austin: A Cost Breakdown

Austin, Texas, is one of those fun cities to either live in or visit. Known also for its live music, luscious food, and outdoor activities, there's a reason so many people are moving here. But what does living in Austin really cost? Let's dive into housing, food, transportation, and more to get an idea of what you might expect.

Housing in Austin

Housing is arguably the biggest expense one will experience in the city of Austin. You can rent an apartment in Austin, depending on which part of town you fall into, for as low as $1,500 up to $2,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Areas such as Downtown and South Congress are some of the more high-priced areas to live in while North Austin or East Riverside might be considered a little more budget-friendly.

If you're going to buy a house, then be prepared. The median home price in Austin is about $450,000. That's pretty steep compared to the rest of Texas, especially in cities like San Antonio or Dallas. Property taxes add up, too, so consider that when budgeting for your dream home.

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Food and Groceries

Eating in Austin can be super cheap or very fancy, depending on how you choose. If you like tacos or barbecue, then you will be happy to learn that a meal from a food truck will cost $10–15. Restaurants will probably cost a little more: $20–$40 per person.

Grocery costs in Austin are a little above the national average. A gallon of milk will cost you about $3.50, and eggs are about $4 a dozen. You will find H-E-B and Whole Foods to be two of the most popular stores here. Whole Foods, which was started in Austin, is nice but overpriced compared to H-E-B.

Transportation Costs

Getting around in Austin is not too bad, but costs can add up. If you drive, gas prices in Austin are hovering at about $3.50 per gallon. Parking downtown can cost $5–$15 a day so budget for that if you'll be driving into the city.

Public transportation Public transportation is available. The CapMetro bus system fares are $1.25 for a single ride or $41 per monthly pass. Cheap, if you don't mind taking a somewhat longer commute.

Utilities and Bills

Utilities in Austin are not expensive. If you stay in a small apartment, you are likely to pay about $150–$200 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Be ready to pay more when summer comes because of the electricity bills from running your air conditioner all the time.

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Fun and Entertainment

There are plenty of things to do in Austin that are pretty inexpensive. You can hear live music on Sixth Street, walk in Zilker Park, or swim at Barton Springs Pool. Most of these activities cost nothing or a few dollars at most.

If you enjoy the movies, then tickets are around $12. There are also some fun and quirky theaters, like the Alamo Drafthouse, where you can eat dinner while watching a movie!

Miscellaneous Expenses

Other costs such as health insurance, gym memberships, or childcare are very similar to the national averages. Gym memberships can range anywhere from $30 to $100 a month depending on what kind of gym you want. Childcare is very expensive at an average of $1,200 a month.

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Is It Worth It?

Austin can be expensive, but it's worth every penny. There is just so much to do: from food, outdoor activities, and live music, Austin has something for every taste. Besides, Austin is a great place to make friends and enjoy life. Try to budget and find deals if you want to keep your costs down.

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