Moving from Irvine to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). You'd pay about 23% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,080/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
158122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,800$1,800
per month
State tax
9.3%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,159$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Austin to match your Irvine lifestyle
Based on the 23% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Irvine | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,886 |
| $50K | $38,608 |
| $60K | $46,329 |
| $75K | $57,911 |
| $80K | $61,772 |
| $100K | $77,215 |
| $120K | $92,658 |
| $150K | $115,823 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Irvine vs Austin
| Expense | Irvine | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $429 | $372 |
| Transport | $90 | $50 |
| Utilities | $148 | $170 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $622 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Irvine?
Yes. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). That's about 23% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Irvine to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Irvine to Austin could save roughly $1,080/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,960/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Irvine lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Irvine, you'd need roughly $57,911/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Austin to IrvineIrvine vs Austin — full comparisonIrvine 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