Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Austin is 94% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,655/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 37%
$91,461/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 32%
$512,700 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 64%
$1,747/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 39%
967,862
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $28,992/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Austin or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Amarillo?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Amarillo?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $28,992/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Amarillo details →

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