Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Austin is 7% more affordable than Frisco. A $75,000 salary in Frisco is equivalent to $69,783 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Frisco sits at 142 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $500,000 in Frisco, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,900 in Frisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Frisco scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Frisco (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $126,048 in Frisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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