Phoenix vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

Comparing home values: Phoenix sits at $340,200, 26% lower than Austin's $461,500.

Phoenix's median household income runs $72,092, against $86,556 in Austin.

Phoenix's median rent sits at $1,322, against $1,549 in Austin.

Phoenix's FEMA hazard rating (Very High) is higher than Austin's (Relatively High) — worth noting if climate risk factors into your decision.

Metric	Phoenix, AZ	Austin, TX
Population	1,609,456	958,202
Median home value	$340,200	$461,500
Median household income	$72,092	$86,556
Median gross rent	$1,322	$1,549
Climate risk (FEMA)	Very High	Relatively High

Phoenix, AZ comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Austin, TX, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.

Moving between Phoenix and Austin

Phoenix and Austin are 870 miles apart in a straight line.

What changes when you move	Phoenix → Austin	Austin → Phoenix
Median rent	+$227/mo (+17%)	−$227/mo (−15%)
Median home value	+$121,300 (+36%)	−$121,300 (−26%)
Median household income	+$14,464 (+20%)	−$14,464 (−17%)

Estimated moving cost (either direction)

Home size	Estimated cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$1,289 – $2,040
2-3 bedroom	$3,086 – $4,829
4+ bedroom house	$5,254 – $8,185

Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Phoenix, AZ Austin, TX

1,000 miles estimated driving distance · 16.7 hours of highway driving

DIY Truck Rental

$1,248 – $1,588

Includes an estimated $350 in fuel (100 gal at ~10 mpg) over 2 driving days.

Professional Movers

$4,963 – $9,073

Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.

Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index

Data last updated July 2026.