Austin, TX vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.7
- Housing RPP
- 122.9
- Goods RPP
- 98.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,877/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Phoenix, AZ is more expensive than Austin, TX by about 5.0% (RPP 98.8 to 103.7).
$60,000 in Austin, TX
-> $62,976
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in Austin, TX
-> $104,960
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in Austin, TX
-> $157,439
in Phoenix, AZ
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Austin, TX?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is more expensive than Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) by about 5.0%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Austin, TX?
- You would need approximately $104,960 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 98.8).