Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Austin is 61% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,655/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 20%
$91,461/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 20%
$512,700 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 59%
$1,747/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 28%
967,862
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $18,431/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Odessa — common questions

Is Austin or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Odessa?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Odessa?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $18,431/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Odessa details →

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