Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Phoenix is 7% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $70,093 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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