City Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Austin = $88k in Phoenix
Metric
Austin
Phoenix
COL Index
1.28
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,800/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,300/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
TX
AZ
$100k Take-Home
✓$78,736
$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
✓21.26%
23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$57,136
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Austin TX | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Austin has a cost-of-living index of 1.28 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Austin is $1,800/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Austin vs Phoenix?
$100k in Austin = $88k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 12.5%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Austin or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $78,736 in TX (Austin) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $57,136 in Austin vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideAustin vs New York City cost of livingAustin vs Los Angeles cost of livingAustin vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in AustinCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in AustinRegistered Nurse salary in AustinWhere does $100k rank nationally?