Austin, TX vs Santa Cruz, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Austin, TX is more affordable by 11.8 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Austin, TX | Santa Cruz, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.1 | 109.9 | -11.8 |
| Housing | 120.4 | 164.3 | -44.0 |
| Goods | 93.8 | 105.2 | -11.4 |
| Utilities | 82.0 | 152.7 | -70.7 |
| Other Services | 96.2 | 100.3 | -4.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $92,939 | $104,409 |
| Median Home Value | $390,500 | $951,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,529 | $2,094 |
| Per Capita Income | $49,787 | $52,887 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin, TX or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Austin, TX is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 11.8 index points (Austin, TX: 98.1, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Austin, TX or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Austin, TX. Housing index: Austin, TX (120.4) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).