Whether you’re thinking of moving to Austin, Texas for the vibrant artistic community, the tech scene, or easy access to taco trucks, one of the first big questions you’ll ask is “how much is the rent?” The short answer is “more than it used to be,” but it depends on what you’re looking for and where you look. There’s no shortage of places to rent in Austin, Texas, from student-friendly studios to family homes in the heart of suburbia. This post will break down what you can expect to pay, where to find it, and whether making the move to Austin is a good idea for you.
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Austin Real Estate Overview
According to Zillow, the average cost of rent in Austin is going down, but don’t be fooled.
Fueled by its booming tech industry, the last decade has seen Austin transform from a quirky college town to a hot real estate market. While Austin has seen a cool-down in recent years and remains cheaper than some other cultural powerhouses, competition is still stiff, and most rentals don’t stay on the market long. The average rental price in Austin is $2,083, sitting slightly below the national average, but this varies greatly depending on the neighborhood, property type, and amenities.
In general, renting a house will be cheaper than an apartment in Austin, Texas, but many neighborhoods that used to be full of student-friendly bargains, like Central Austin and around the UT campus, have seen rapid development and are now full of higher-end luxury apartment complexes. The more affordable pockets tend to be further from downtown.
Neighborhoods in Austin, TX
There are plenty of places to rent in Austin, Texas. Depending on what part of Austin you’re looking at, you might find sleek high-rise apartments and a thrumming nightlife, quiet suburban neighborhoods with cozy coffee shops, or hidden gem artsy enclaves. Whether you want to be right in the middle of the action or prefer something more laid-back, knowing the different neighborhoods can help you find the perfect place to call home.
Downtown Austin
Downtown is the heart of the city. It boasts a vibrant nightlife, a fleet of food trucks, and plenty of live music venues. It’s one of the few actually walkable neighborhoods you’ll find, but what you’ll save on the commute, you’ll make up for in rent. The average rent price in Downtown Austin is $3,193/month, considerably higher than most other spots across the city.
Central Austin
Central Austin is primarily known for its proximity to the UT campus and its historic charm. Though it’s seen a good amount of development in recent years and isn’t the hipster hideaway it once was, you’ll find the occasional steal here for renting, especially for student housing. However, if you’re not a student or if you’re hoping to rent a house, the prices will easily rival those of Downtown.
North Austin
North Austin offers a few more suburban neighborhoods, but it’s seen a lot of growth in recent years. Many businesses have taken up residence in North Austin. Its health and tech sectors are a few of its largest draws for young professionals. If you’re looking for a balance of fast-paced city life and suburban bliss, you’ll have the most luck in North Austin.
South Austin
South Austin boasts a laid-back community and an eclectic arts scene, truly embodying the slogan of “Keep Austin Weird.” Across RentCafe and Redfin, the average rental price in South Austin tends to hover around $1,500/month, making it more affordable than many other spots across the city!
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Cost of Living in Austin, TX
The cost of living in Austin is roughly on par with the national average, with a few caveats:
- Public transit options are limited outside of the central areas and downtown, so budget for your commute.
- Healthcare prices in Texas are some of the highest in the country
- There is a lack of available childcare
- All the dining out, concerts, and nightlife that Austin is famous for can add up quickly
Grocery prices and other basic necessities like utilities and internet are otherwise manageable, and Austin has a booming job market, especially for those in healthcare or tech.
“We do a lot of business in Austin, so I can tell you with certainty that Austin is becoming more affordable, as compared to what it was several years ago. Rent prices, which had shot up in a short amount of time during the pandemic and reached their peak in 2023, have been declining in most areas of the city. This decline has made Austin rank among the cities with the most significant rent declines in the nation. Most of the day-to-day expenses like food, fuel, and housing are more manageable than what you would see in other growing metros. I have been able to work with clients and partners who still live close to the city center without having to stretch their income to make it work. Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment hovers between $1,350 and $1,700 depending on the neighborhood, and landlords have started offering incentives like free rent or waived move-in fees to fill units.”
James Myers, VP of Business Development, VINEVIDA
Things to Do and See in Austin, TX
Austin is a city to experience, not just a place to live! No matter what you’re into, Austin has something to keep you entertained.
Live Music
Austin proudly calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and for a good reason! It’s home to historical jazz and blues clubs like Antone’s Nightclub, the Continental Club, and the Elephant Room. You can experience the rich culture of the city that influenced so much of the country’s musical history while listening to new performances every night.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, Austin won’t disappoint. From hiking to biking to kayaking to bat-watching, Austin has opportunities for you! Barton Creek is a staple with plenty of trails for hikers of all experience levels. Zilker Metropolitan Park is a fun stop offering various amenities and events for locals and tourists to enjoy.
Food
Austin is a foodie’s paradise. You’ve got world-famous barbecue joints like Franklin Barbecue and an ever-evolving selection of food trucks of various cultural cuisines.
Moving Companies in Austin, TX
If you’re thinking of making the move to Austin, a trusted team like UniMovers can help take the stress out of the process. Their local expertise means you can focus more on exploring your new city and less on the logistics of moving day.
Conclusion
Moving to Austin is an exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities! You get to discover the unique and vibrant culture that truly makes the city stand out, even among the nation’s cultural powerhouses like Los Angeles and Nashville! When it comes to finding places to rent in Austin, Texas, you’re spoiled for choice. While rent prices can vary widely depending on the area, there are options for nearly every budget if you know where to look.
Whether you’re looking to rent a big five-bedroom family house or a tiny artsy studio apartment, you’ll be able to find it in Austin, Texas.
FAQs
It depends on what you’re looking for. Though the market is in a cooling period, the competition is still steep. Renting is often the more flexible and affordable choice, especially for students and young professionals not ready for a long-term commitment.
Demand is lowest from November to March, but there are usually fewer listings. Summer months have more listings, but a higher demand.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
