Cost of living in Austin
Austin, the vibrant capital of Texas, is known for its live music scene, tech industry, and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living in Austin is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $13 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $57.86 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7.5, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.05.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.27 and $4.96, with an average price of $3.57.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5, averaging $3.49.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.51 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $8 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $4.83 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.4 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.25 and $3, with a monthly pass priced between $41.25 and $87.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.67 and $0.92 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.24 to $2.49 per km and $29 to $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1750 to $3200, averaging $2262.97.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300 to $1850, averaging $1519.56.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $6400, averaging $4609.57.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2300 to $3000, averaging $2678.6.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3229.17 to $11420.51, averaging $3962.94.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2152.78 to $4305.56, averaging $2803.41.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $110 and $318, averaging $176.42.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $85, with an average cost of $68.97.
Cost of Living Rankings
Austin ranks 33rd on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Austin's cost of living is relatively high, with significant expenses in housing and dining. Rent in the city centre is notably expensive, making it crucial to budget carefully.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport options. However, owning a car can add to monthly expenses due to fuel and maintenance costs.
Grocery prices are reasonable, but dining out can be costly, especially in mid-range and upscale restaurants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Austin offers a vibrant lifestyle with a relatively high cost of living. Housing and dining are the most significant expenses, while transportation and groceries are more manageable.
Prospective residents should plan their budgets carefully, considering the high rental prices and dining costs. Despite the expenses, Austin's cultural richness and opportunities make it an attractive place to live.