Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Austin is 47% more expensive than College Station.

$1,655/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 29%
$91,461/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 43%
$512,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 36%
$1,747/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 28%
967,862
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $39,685/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs College Station — common questions

Is Austin or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and College Station?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or College Station?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $39,685/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and College Station

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette