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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Temecula

California
179

Austin is 25% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,655/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 39%
$91,461/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 29%
$512,700 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 25%
$1,747/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 39%
967,862
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $26,379/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Temecula — common questions

Is Austin or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Temecula?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Temecula?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $26,379/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Temecula details →

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