Moving from Austin to Laredo (2026)
Laredo has a COL index of 79 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 35% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Laredo to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 35% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Laredo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,902 |
| $50K | $32,377 |
| $60K | $38,852 |
| $75K | $48,566 |
| $80K | $51,803 |
| $100K | $64,754 |
| $120K | $77,705 |
| $150K | $97,131 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Laredo
| Expense | Austin | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $950 |
| Groceries | $372 | $338 |
| Transport | $50 | $35 |
| Utilities | $170 | $168 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $3,192 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $908 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laredo cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Laredo has a cost of living index of 79 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 35% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Laredo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Laredo saves roughly $850/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,200/year.
What salary do I need in Laredo to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $48,566/year in Laredo. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only