Moving from Boston to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,123 |
| $50K | $37,654 |
| $60K | $45,185 |
| $75K | $56,481 |
| $80K | $60,247 |
| $100K | $75,309 |
| $120K | $90,370 |
| $150K | $112,963 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Austin
| Expense | Boston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $418 | $372 |
| Transport | $90 | $50 |
| Utilities | $185 | $170 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $2,284 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,306 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Boston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Austin saves roughly $1,513/month on core expenses. That's ~$18,156/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $56,481/year in Austin. 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