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What salary do you need to live comfortably in Austin?
I'm considering a job offer in Austin, but I'm unsure how the cost of living compares to my current city. My main concerns are housing (I'd like a 2-bedroom apartment in a safe area), transportation (I prefer to drive), and being able to enjoy the city's restaurant and music scene without constantly worrying about my bank account. I have two small dogs, so rental costs are a little higher. What annual salary would you realistically need to cover these expenses and live comfortably, not just scraping by?
2 Answers
14
33d ago
A single person can live reasonably well on $75,000. A family needs closer to $140,000 to maintain a good standard of living, factoring in childcare and increased housing costs. These numbers assume some level of eating out and entertainment, but not excessive spending. Housing costs are the biggest variable, so research neighborhoods carefully.
8
30d ago
A family of four wanting a comfortable life in Austin should target a pre-tax income of at least $150,000, possibly more if you want to live in a very desirable neighborhood or send your kids to private schools. Housing will likely be your biggest expense, followed by childcare. Don't forget to factor in property taxes and potential HOA fees.