Quick Answer
150,000 is a strong salary in Austin, placing you above roughly 94% of earners. After taxes (~26.9% effective rate), your take-home is approximately $9,135/month. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,800/month (20% of net income).
Moving to Austin with a 150k offer? Before you accept, it's worth understanding how local economics will affect your daily life. We've crunched the numbers on housing, food, transport, and entertainment to show you the real picture.
Austin (pop. 2.3 million) is moderately expensive compared to global metros, with a cost of living index of 72 (NYC = 100). Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,800/month and a monthly transit pass costs $65. It's considered a strong tech market with a tech score of 8/10.
Austin attracts professionals from around the world, and salary expectations often need recalibrating upon arrival. What feels like a generous salary in one market might be average in Austin, where competition for talent drives compensation in certain sectors while compressing it in others. Context matters enormously when evaluating 150k.
The rental market in Austin deserves special attention. Deposit requirements, lease terms, and the ratio of furnished to unfurnished options all affect your initial and ongoing housing costs. Some cities require several months' deposit upfront, which means your first months at 150k might feel tighter than expected until you're established.
Transportation infrastructure directly impacts how far 150k goes in Austin. Cities with efficient, affordable public transit effectively give residents a "raise" by eliminating car payments, insurance, fuel, and parking costs. In car-dependent cities, transport costs can easily add $5,000-$10,000 per year to your expenses.
Social expectations and peer-group spending norms in Austin subtly influence how comfortable a salary feels. Professional networking events, weekend activities, and dining culture create informal spending expectations. Being honest about these social costs helps you budget more realistically around 150k.
The gig economy and side-income opportunities available in Austin also factor into salary evaluation. Some professionals supplement their 150k primary income with freelance work, consulting, or investments. The availability of these opportunities varies by city and can meaningfully impact total household income.
Is 150k a good salary in Austin in 2026?
150k is a very strong salary, placing you in the top 6% of earners in Austin. The local median salary is $70,000, so earning $150,000 puts you at the 94th percentile. After accounting for housing (average $1,800/month for a 1-bedroom), taxes, and daily costs, this salary allows for meaningful monthly savings.
How much tax will I pay on 150k in Austin?
On a gross salary of $150,000 in United States, you can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 26.9%. This means roughly $40,377 per year goes to taxes, leaving you with a net income of about $109,623 per year ($9,135 per month). The exact amount may vary based on deductions, filing status, and local levies.
What is the average rent in Austin in 2026?
As of 2026, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in central Austin is approximately $1,800 per month, while a 2-bedroom averages around $2,500 per month. On a 150k salary, a 1-bedroom rent would consume about 20% of your after-tax income, which is very manageable.
How does 150k in Austin compare to other cities?
Purchasing power varies by city, so 150k in Austin is not equivalent elsewhere. Adjusted for cost of living, the same standard of living would require approximately: New York ($208,500), London ($177,083), San Francisco ($219,000). Austin has a purchasing power index of 108 (NYC = 100), meaning your money goes further than in New York.
What is the cost of living in Austin in 2026?
Austin has a cost of living index of 72 (where New York = 100), making it a moderately expensive city. Key monthly costs include: rent ($1,800 for 1BR), groceries (~$360), transport ($65), and utilities (~$108). Total monthly expenses for a single professional average around $2,513 before discretionary spending.
Can I save money on 150k in Austin?
On 150k in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home pay is $9,135 after taxes. With typical expenses of $2,513/month (rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure), you could potentially save around $6,622 per month ($79,464/year). This provides solid room for building an emergency fund and investing.
Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.
Disclaimer: This page uses market data and cost-of-living sources for guidance. All figures and advice are estimates, not guarantees. Local conditions and personal circumstances may vary.
