Loading...
Keep Austin weird (and affordable) - your guide to living in Texas' tech capital
Close to everything, premium amenities, high walkability
Great food scenes, local character, good value
Family-friendly, larger spaces, emerging areas
Austin's housing market has experienced significant growth but remains more affordable than major tech hubs. A typical tech worker can afford a nice apartment or house with a yard, something increasingly rare in San Francisco or Seattle.
🏠 Austin Housing Opportunity
Unlike coastal cities, you can still find character in Austin neighborhoods without astronomical rents. Areas like East Austin offer walkable, hip communities for $2,500/month that would cost $5,000+ in San Francisco.
Austin has become a major tech hub with Apple, Google, Meta, Tesla, and hundreds of startups. The "Silicon Hills" offers competitive salaries without Silicon Valley living costs, creating attractive opportunities for tech professionals.
Austin is a car-centric city with limited public transportation, though downtown and some neighborhoods are increasingly walkable. The city's growth has led to traffic congestion, but car ownership remains essential for most residents.
Austin's "Keep Austin Weird" culture includes an incredible food scene, live music venues, and festivals. Food trucks, BBQ, and craft breweries are staples, offering great value compared to other major cities.
Texas' lack of state income tax is a major financial advantage, but other taxes and costs partially offset this benefit. Understanding the full tax picture helps with accurate budgeting.
See how Austin compares to other tech hubs and calculate your salary advantage.
Launch CalculatorLake Travis, Zilker Park, hiking trails, 300+ days of sunshine
World-renowned music and tech conferences
Over 1,000 food trucks, affordable gourmet options
Unique local businesses, art scene, cultural events
To live comfortably in Austin in 2025, a single person needs $70,000-$90,000 annually, while a family of four should aim for $140,000-$190,000. The absence of state income tax helps stretch salaries further compared to California or New York.