Moving from Boulder to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$543/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
132122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,800
per month
State tax
4.4%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Austin to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,970 |
| $50K | $46,212 |
| $60K | $55,455 |
| $75K | $69,318 |
| $80K | $73,939 |
| $100K | $92,424 |
| $120K | $110,909 |
| $150K | $138,636 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Austin
| Expense | Boulder | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $414 | $372 |
| Transport | $80 | $50 |
| Utilities | $138 | $170 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Austin could save roughly $543/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,516/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $69,318/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Austin to BoulderBoulder vs Austin — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingAustin cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only