Side-by-side comparison

Fairfax vs Austin

Cost of living comparison for Fairfax, Virginia and Austin, Texas.

Bottom line

Fairfax is approximately 30% more expensive than Austin. A single person needs about $4,808/mo in Fairfax versus $3,706/mo in Austin.

Rent in Fairfax vs Austin

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Fairfax · Studio

$2,012

Austin · Studio

$1,549

Fairfax is $463 (30%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · 1 bedroom

$2,056

Austin · 1 bedroom

$1,650

Fairfax is $406 (25%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · 2 bedroom

$2,314

Austin · 2 bedroom

$1,949

Fairfax is $365 (19%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · 3 bedroom

$2,893

Austin · 3 bedroom

$2,484

Fairfax is $409 (16%) higher than Austin

Income & earnings in Fairfax vs Austin

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Fairfax · Household income

$150,113

Austin · Household income

$97,169

Fairfax is $52,944 (54%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Individual earnings

$71,572

Austin · Individual earnings

$55,186

Fairfax is $16,386 (30%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Per capita

$69,971

Austin · Per capita

$59,289

Fairfax is $10,682 (18%) higher than Austin

Home values in Fairfax vs Austin

Average values and property tax.

Fairfax · Average home value

$699,700

Austin · Average home value

$487,600

Fairfax is $212,100 (43%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Annual property tax

$7,072

Austin · Annual property tax

$7,487

Austin is $415 (6%) higher than Fairfax

Energy in Fairfax vs Austin

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Fairfax · Monthly electricity

$153

Austin · Monthly electricity

$167

Austin is $14 (9%) higher than Fairfax

Fairfax · Monthly gas

$49

Austin · Monthly gas

$32

Fairfax is $17 (53%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Annual total

$2,424

Austin · Annual total

$2,388

Fairfax is $36 (2%) higher than Austin

Healthcare in Fairfax vs Austin

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Fairfax · Individual premium

$480

Austin · Individual premium

$480

Fairfax and Austin are about the same

Fairfax · Family premium

$1,350

Austin · Family premium

$1,350

Fairfax and Austin are about the same

Fairfax · Uninsured rate

7.4%

Austin · Uninsured rate

12.2%

Austin is 4.8% (65%) higher than Fairfax

Taxes in Fairfax vs Austin

State income and sales tax.

Fairfax · State income tax

5.8%

Austin · State income tax

0.0%

Fairfax is 5.8% higher than Austin

Fairfax · State sales tax

5.3%

Austin · State sales tax

6.3%

Austin is 1.0% (18%) higher than Fairfax

Fairfax · Combined sales tax

5.8%

Austin · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Austin is 2.4% (42%) higher than Fairfax

Transportation in Fairfax vs Austin

Commute time and travel modes.

Fairfax · Average commute

29.5 min

Austin · Average commute

25.4 min

Fairfax is 4.1 min (16%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Drive alone

57.9%

Austin · Drive alone

59.7%

Austin is 1.8% (3%) higher than Fairfax

Fairfax · Public transit

5.3%

Austin · Public transit

1.7%

Fairfax is 3.6% (212%) higher than Austin

Monthly cost estimates in Fairfax vs Austin

All categories combined.

Fairfax · Single person

$4,808

Austin · Single person

$3,706

Fairfax is $1,102 (30%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Couple

$7,470

Austin · Couple

$5,280

Fairfax is $2,190 (41%) higher than Austin

Fairfax · Family

$10,211

Austin · Family

$7,957

Fairfax is $2,254 (28%) higher than Austin

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Fairfax and Austin.

Is Fairfax or Austin more expensive?

Fairfax is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,808/mo in Fairfax, Virginia and $3,706/mo in Austin, Texas, a difference of about 30%.

What is the rent difference between Fairfax and Austin?

Average one-bedroom rent in Fairfax, Virginia is $2,056/mo versus $1,650/mo in Austin, Texas. Fairfax is approximately $406 (25%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Fairfax or Austin?

Fairfax has the higher average household income. Fairfax households earn approximately $150,113 per year; Austin households earn approximately $97,169 per year.

More on Fairfax and Austin

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Fairfax profile Austin profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.