Cost of Living: Austin vs Phoenix (2026)

Austin vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 5% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $105,354 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 5% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $105,354 in Phoenix.

Austin vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricAustinPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)98103+5%
Median rent$1,655$1,458-12%
Median home value$512,700$381,900-26%
Median household income$91,461$77,041-16%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Austin has the same buying power as about $105,354 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $94,918 in Austin.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Austin and Phoenix.

Compare any salary: Austin vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 103 vs 98 — a 5% difference. Your money goes further in Austin.

About $105,354 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin.