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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Austin is 23% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,655/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 41%
$91,461/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 20%
$512,700 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 18%
$1,747/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 36%
967,862
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $18,319/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Austin or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Murrieta?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Murrieta?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $18,319/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Murrieta details →

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