Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Austin and Chandler have a similar cost of living.

$1,655/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 9%
$91,461/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 13%
$512,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$469,800 ↓ 8%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ≈ Same
967,862
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $12,230/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Chandler — common questions

Is Austin or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Chandler?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Chandler?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $12,230/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Chandler details →

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