Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Austin is 4% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $72,297 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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