Cheapest Cities Near Austin (2026)

Austin has a cost of living index of 122 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI37% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $920/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX36% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $850/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS35% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $800/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO35% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $850/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX35% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $850/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN34% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $810/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS34% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $860/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX34% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $750/mo on rent
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Austin at a glance

122
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,800
1BR rent
per month
$480K
Home price
median
None
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Denver, COCOL: 122Miami, FLCOL: 123Fort Lauderdale, FLCOL: 120Portland, ORCOL: 125

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only