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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Austin is 32% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,655/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 50%
$91,461/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 31%
$512,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 41%
$1,747/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 52%
967,862
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $831/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $9,972/year.

Median household income is $28,465/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Austin or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $831/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $28,465/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Santa Clarita details →

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