Affordable Alternatives to Austin
Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.
COL Index122100 = US avg
1BR Rent$1,800/mo
Walk Score42/100
State Income TaxNone
Best overall alternatives
Ranked by lifestyle match: savings potential, walkability, and economic opportunity — not just cheapest price.
Best Match
❄️ Rochester
Minnesota, MN
23% cheaper
vs. Austin
COL 94
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,400/mo
Monthly savings$400/mo
Walk score38/100
Median income$72K/yr
🏛️ Norfolk
Virginia, VA
26% cheaper
vs. Austin
COL 90
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,400/mo
Monthly savings$400/mo
Walk score42/100
Median income$60K/yr
Moving to Rochester saves you $400/mo. Put it to work while you plan.
High-yield savings accounts — top rates today
Stay in Texas
Cheaper cities within Texas — same state laws, familiar surroundings.
More affordable metros
All other established metros cheaper than Austin, sorted by cost of living.
Austin at a glance
122
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,800
1BR rent
per month
$480K
Home price
median
None
State tax
income
Cities with similar cost of living
COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only