House Affordability in Austin
Median home price: $450K · Property tax: 1.75% · Insurance: $2,400/yr
You can afford a home up to
$203,096
That's a 1-bedroom condo in Austin
Based on your $75,000 income with 20% down
Your $203,096 budget buys
Monthly payment breakdown
$1,750/mo
Home price
$203,096
Down payment
$40,619
Loan amount
$162,476
No PMI
Waived (20%+ down)
Estimates based on the 28/36 DTI guideline with Austin-specific property tax and insurance rates. Actual mortgage approval depends on credit score, employment history, and lender criteria.
Austin Housing Market Overview
Austin has grown rapidly as a tech and culture hub. No state income tax but high property tax rates offset the savings for homeowners.
The median home price in Austin is $450,000, which is 9% above the national median of $412,000. Property taxes average 1.75% of assessed value, adding $656/month to housing costs.
Homeowners insurance averages $2,400/year ($200/month). Condos and townhomes typically carry HOA fees around $200/month.
What can you buy in Austin?
Typical price ranges by property type in Austin, TX (2024/2025 estimates).
| Property type | Price range | Down payment (20%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom condo | $200K – $320K | $40K – $64K |
| 2-bedroom condo/townhome | $280K – $420K | $56K – $84K |
| 3-bedroom home | $380K – $550K | $76K – $110K |
| 4-bedroom home | $500K – $750K | $100K – $150K |
| 5+ bedroom home | $700K – $1.10M | $140K – $220K |
Sources: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com (2024/2025 estimates). Prices vary by neighborhood.
Income needed to buy in Austin
Minimum annual income to afford each property type at 28% DTI, 20% down, 6.75% rate.
| Property type | Midpoint price | Income needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom condo | $260K | $82,639/yr |
| 2-bedroom condo/townhome | $350K | $108,278/yr |
| 3-bedroom home | $465K | $141,039/yr |
| 4-bedroom home | $625K | $186,619/yr |
| 5+ bedroom home | $900K | $264,960/yr |
Green = achievable at Austin's median household income of $89,000.
Cost of living context
The median household income in Austin is $89,000, which is 19% above the national median of $75,000.
At the median income, a household can afford roughly $282K using the 28% DTI rule — which falls short of the $450K median. Many buyers need dual incomes, a larger down payment, or lower price points.
FAQ
Can I afford a house in Austin on a $100,000 salary?
At $100K with 20% down and 6.75% interest, you can afford roughly $321K in Austin using the 28% DTI rule. The median home price is $450K, so you may need to look at lower price points or increase your down payment.
What income do I need to buy a house in Austin?
To afford the median price of $450K with 20% down at 6.75%, you need approximately $136,766/year (28% DTI). The median household income in Austin is $89,000, which is below what is needed.
What are property taxes like in Austin?
The average property tax rate is 1.75%, or $7,875/year on a median-priced home. This is above the national average of 1.2%.
What does a 3-bedroom home cost in Austin?
A typical 3-bedroom home costs between $380K and $550K, with the midpoint around $465K.
Is Austin affordable compared to other cities?
Austin's median price of $450K is 9% above the national median of $412K. Median household income is $89,000, 19% above the national median.
Other cities
- San Francisco, CA — median $1.35M
- New York City, NY — median $780K
- Los Angeles, CA — median $950K
- Chicago, IL — median $340K
Related tools
- Texas House Affordability — statewide data
- Texas Paycheck Calculator — calculate your take-home pay
- House Affordability Calculator — compare all cities
- Compare Job Offers — factor in housing costs