Austin vs Eugene

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Oregon salaries

Living in Austin vs Eugene

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Eugene sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $380,000 in Eugene, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,400 in Eugene.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Eugene scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Eugene (106). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $49,448 in Eugene. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.

Relocating: Austin vs Eugene

If you are considering a move between Austin (index: 107) and Eugene (index: 115), the 7% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Austin is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Austin can afford $1,760/month, while the median household in Eugene can afford $1,154/month. With median homes at $430,000 in Austin versus $380,000 in Eugene, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Austin and $1,400/month in Eugene, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Austin. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Austin (107) vs Eugene (115)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Austin at 107 is 7% above the US average, while Eugene at 115 is 15% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

A 8-point index spread separates Eugene from Austin, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. Healthcare shows the widest single-category margin at 97 versus 106, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Austin and Eugene. Housing costs are comparable between the two metros, with Austin at 123 and Eugene at 130 on the housing sub-index and median home prices of $430,000 and $380,000 respectively. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Austin has an edge in housing and groceries, while Eugene is more affordable for utilities. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Austin and $1,400/month in Eugene, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $50,000 difference in median home prices between Austin and Eugene translates to roughly $3,000 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

🔗 Related Tools

📚 Moving & Relocation Resources

Amazon affiliate links