Moving from West Palm Beach to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 117 for West Palm Beach (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 4% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your West Palm Beach lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in West Palm Beach | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,709 |
| $50K | $52,137 |
| $60K | $62,564 |
| $75K | $78,205 |
| $80K | $83,419 |
| $100K | $104,274 |
| $120K | $125,128 |
| $150K | $156,410 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — West Palm Beach vs Austin
| Expense | West Palm Beach | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $403 | $372 |
| Transport | $112 | $50 |
| Utilities | $200 | $170 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,556 | $2,284 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $728 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in West Palm Beach — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than West Palm Beach?
No. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 117 for West Palm Beach (100 = US average). That's about 4% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from West Palm Beach to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from West Palm Beach to Austin saves roughly $600/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,200/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my West Palm Beach lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in West Palm Beach, you'd need roughly $78,205/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