Austin, Texas is an amazing city with many sights, food, and attractions. And, of course, the music scene in Austin is one of the biggest in the world. Austin has become a very popular place to live in recent years, but how much do you need to earn to live there?

According to recent statistics, a single person living in Austin must make around $55,000 per year to live comfortably. Austin is one of the more expensive cities in the United States, and it can be expensive to live there. 

Below, we’ll discuss more information on Austin and the expenses related to living there. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before you move!

How Much Do You Need to Earn to Live in Austin? 

There are many incredible attractions in Austin, Texas. It is no wonder that it attracts so many people each year! 

Many tourists visit the city to see where some of their favorite musicians come from or to experience its unique vibe. 

But, visiting a place like Austin is completely different from wanting to live in the city. You can easily visit, but you will need to make decent money to live in the area. 

According to a recent study, a single person will need to earn at least $55,000 per year to live in Austin. If you have any dependents, this amount increases significantly. For example, a couple with only one working person will need to make around $87,000 per year after taxes to live comfortably. 

The amount of money you need to make goes up with each person that is added to your family. 

If there are two working adults and one child in the family, they would need to bring in a combined income of about $120,000 after taxes. 

How is This Amount Determined?

The amount you need to earn to live comfortably in Austin, Texas is calculated according to the cost of living in the area you’re looking at. 

Cost of living includes things like:

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Childcare
  • Transportation

Generally, the cost of living includes all the basic necessities you need to live comfortably.  

This also follows the general 50/30/20 rule. 

50% of your money will go toward major things, like groceries and rent or your mortgage, and 30% goes towards things you don’t necessarily need, but want. 

The remaining 20% is what you’ll use to pay off debts or save for the future.

What Are the Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Austin? 

Austin has an expensive housing market, and many people’s salaries don’t increase at the same rate as housing prices and other general expenses. 

This makes it harder to afford to live in Austin. But, there are a few neighborhoods that are more affordable than others. 

The five most affordable neighborhoods in Austin include: 

  • North University
  • Windsor Hills
  • Garrison Park
  • North Lamar
  • Brentwood

If you live in Austin but are struggling to make ends meet, moving to one of these areas will help you make your earnings go further. 

North University 

North University is a great central location that works well as a base for students and professionals. 

Housing in this area is much cheaper than in some other urban areas in Austin.

It has beautiful historic homes and green spaces, as well as great places to eat and many attractions. 

Because it’s centrally-located, it is a great choice if you need a more walkable neighborhood.

Windsor Hills 

Windsor Hills is a great area if you want a quieter retreat outside of the city.

Around 20 minutes from downtown Austin, it gives you the option of going into the city or staying in the suburbs.

You can also enjoy the area’s many cafes.

Garrison Park 

Garrison Park is a small neighborhood that combines all the best parts of urban and suburban areas. It has great international restaurants and shopping, but it also has some quieter spaces. 

The best part is, Garrison park is less expensive than many other areas in the city. 

North Lamar 

A great neighborhood for families, North Lamar is a very walkable area. 

With both shopping and eateries you can get to on foot, it’s a great place for people who have children.

Brentwood

It may come as a surprise that Brentwood is more affordable than other areas in Austin. 

The area has beautiful homes and great schools, and it is only about five miles from downtown Austin. Despite this great location, Brentwood is affordable. 

In Conclusion

Austin is a vibrant city, but it can be expensive. You will need to earn at least $55,000 after taxes to live comfortably as a single person. 

If you need to cut expenses, consider moving to a more affordable part of Austin. There are many safe, walkable areas that won’t break the bank.