Austin vs Phoenix
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Austin, TX and Phoenix, AZ.
Austin, TX
COL Index
112
Monthly Budget
$5,600
State Tax
None
Population
1.0M
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
Austin is 9% more expensive than Phoenix
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Austin | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,947 | $1,724 | +$223 |
| Groceries | $712 | $666 | +$46 |
| Transport | $886 | $822 | +$64 |
| Healthcare | $434 | $408 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $336 | $309 | +$27 |
| Other | $1,315 | $1,229 | +$86 |
| Total | $5,600 | $5,150 | +$450 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Austin (TX) | Phoenix (AZ) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $2,500 | -$2,500 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $23,320 | -$2,500 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $76,680 | +$2,500 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Austin salary is worth in Phoenix (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Austin Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix | Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,982 | $50,000 | $54,369 |
| $75,000 | $68,973 | $75,000 | $81,553 |
| $100,000 | $91,964 | $100,000 | $108,738 |
| $150,000 | $137,946 | $150,000 | $163,107 |