Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Austin is 20% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,655/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 32%
$91,461/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 34%
$512,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 18%
$1,747/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 27%
967,862
Population
177,221

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $525/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $6,300/year.

Median household income is $30,768/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Austin or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $525/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $30,768/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Elk Grove details →

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