Although it is the state capital and located deep in the heart of Texas, Austin generally has more in common with places like Portland, Oregon rather than other large Lone Star State cities like Dallas or Houston. Consistently named one of the best places to live in America, Austin combines passions for food, live music, entrepreneurship, iconoclastic attitudes, and Texas traditions into a wholly unique cocktail that people just can’t get enough of.
The expansion of the tech industry and the wild popularity of music festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest have boosted Austin’s profile as one of America’s most in-demand communities of the 21st century so far, attracting people from all walks of life and every corner of the world.
Regardless of their atypical culture, Texas pride runs deep in Austinites. Many of the city’s hip, young entrepreneurs are more than happy to deal in classic regional staples like Tex-Mex food, cowboy boots, and country music. Austin is also home to one of the top public universities in the state, the University of Texas at Austin, lending the entire city the vibrant energy of a college town.
Austin contains a broad range of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent in its many diverse neighborhoods. Wherever your dream rental is located in Austin, you’re sure to be within driving distance of signature attractions such as Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Botanical Garden, the Domain, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, Sixth Street, and the Texas Capitol Building.
Austin's Pennybacker Bridge is also known as the "Capital of Texas Highway"
The Main Building Tower at the University of Texas
Downtown Austin from the Colorado River
Austin features sculptures of vibrantly-painted cows
A view of Downtown Austin
The impressive architecture of the State Capitol Building
As of April 2025, the average apartment rent in Austin, TX is $1,257 for a studio, $1,437 for one bedroom, $1,865 for two bedrooms, and $2,446 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Austin has decreased by -4.3% in the past year.
The cost of living in Austin, TX is 1.9% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Austin is 6.4% more expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,257 - $2,446. You can expect to pay 2.5% less for groceries, 3.6% less for utilities, and 9.0% less for transportation.
Austin is full of great neighborhoods! If you're moving to Austin, check out these top spots.
Thinking about moving to Austin? Here are 10 reasons why you'll love renting in this city!
Looking for a neighborhood where you can get the most for your money? Check out these affordable Austin neighborhoods!
Somewhat Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.
Some Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.
Patsy Sommer Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
982 Students
Rooster Springs Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
827 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
748 Students
Laurel Mountain Elementary School
Public
Grades PK-5
702 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
599 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,019 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
975 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
896 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,370 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,296 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,825 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,820 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,432 Students
University of Texas at Austin High School
Public
Grades 9-12
823 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
3,701 Students
3,217
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.
