Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Corpus Christi, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Corpus Christi

Texas
78

Austin is 72% more expensive than Corpus Christi.

$1,655/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,230/mo ↓ 26%
$91,461/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$66,325/yr ↓ 27%
$512,700 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$197,100 ↓ 62%
$1,747/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,225/mo ↓ 30%
967,862
Population
317,383

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Corpus Christi, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $25,136/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $197,100 in Corpus Christi.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Corpus Christi — common questions

Is Austin or Corpus Christi cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Corpus Christi?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Corpus Christi it's $1,230/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Corpus Christi?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $66,325 in Corpus Christi. Median household income is $25,136/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 Corpus Christi?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,230/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Corpus Christi details →

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