Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Reno, NV (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Austin is 10% more expensive than Reno.

$1,655/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 12%
$91,461/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 14%
$512,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 3%
$1,747/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 15%
967,862
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $13,013/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Reno — common questions

Is Austin or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Reno?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Reno?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $13,013/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nevada?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Reno details →

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