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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Austin is 11% more expensive than Pearland.

$1,655/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 6%
$91,461/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 23%
$512,700 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 35%
$1,747/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 12%
967,862
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $21,009/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Pearland — common questions

Is Austin or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Pearland?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Pearland?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $21,009/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Pearland details →

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