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