Moving from New York to Austin: Cost of Living Guide

Updated 2026 • Based on US Census Bureau Data

$1,779
Rent in New York
$1,655
Rent in Austin
$751,700
Home Value in New York
$512,700
Home Value in Austin
Potential annual rent savings: $1,488

Why People Move from New York to Austin

Austin has become an increasingly popular destination for people leaving New York. A major draw is affordability — median rent in Austin is $1,655 per month, which is 7% less than the $1,779 median in New York. With a population of 967,862, Austin offers a smaller, more manageable city experience.

Housing Costs Compared

The median home value in Austin, TX is $512,700, which is 32% lower than New York, NY's median of $751,700. For homebuyers, this represents significant savings.

For renters, monthly costs average $1,655 in Austin versus $1,779 in New York. The rent-to-income ratio in Austin is 21.7%, which is within the recommended 30% threshold.

Income and Employment

Median household income in Austin, TX is $91,461, compared to $79,713 in New York, NY. Income is actually 15% higher in Austin, giving you both higher earnings and potentially different cost dynamics.

The unemployment rate in Austin is 4.5% compared to 7.7% in New York. Austin's lower unemployment suggests a stronger local job market.

The Bottom Line

Moving from New York to Austin can save you approximately $124 per month on rent alone — that's $1,488 per year. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly what your current salary would be worth in Austin.

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Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Individual experiences may vary based on neighborhood, lifestyle, and personal circumstances.

Read our methodologyVerify at data.census.gov