Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Austin is 19% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $60,795 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Bend sits at 182 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $580,000 in Bend, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,900 in Bend.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Bend scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Bend (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $68,234 in Bend. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
Amazon affiliate links