East Austin
$500k–$700k
Rapid price growth. Mix of older homes and new builds.
Austin · Texas
How Much House Can You Afford in Austin?
Median home near $485,000. Typical income near $88,000. Higher than Houston — tech wages help but list prices rose quickly. Run the calculator — this page also has salary tiers, neighborhood prices, and local buyer guides.
Austin home affordability at a glance
Planning figures for Austin, Texas. Your lender quote and tax bill may differ — use these as a starting point.
$485,000Median home price
$88,000Median household income
$151,562+Rough gross for median (3× rule)
$3,360/moEst. PITI on median (20% down)
On a median $485,000 home, property tax near 1.55% is about $626/month. Insurance near 0.4% of value is about $161/month. HOA is about $120/month where it applies.
Tech layoffs and remote work shifted demand. Median price is still above Houston and San Antonio.
Monthly payment breakdown on a median Austin home
Estimated PITI at $485,000 list, 20% down, 6.5% rate, and Austin tax and insurance defaults. Principal and interest are the largest line — but tax, insurance, and HOA still move the stress meter.
Estimated monthly PITI
$3,360/mo
In Austin, buyers who only compare list price to income miss tax and insurance. Run the calculator with your real debts — the 36% back-end rule includes car loans and cards.
How much house can you afford in Austin by salary?
Max home price at common gross salaries, 6.5% rate, $300/month other debt, and Austin tax and insurance. Stress label uses the 28% housing cap.
| Gross salary | Max home (est.) | Stress |
|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $205,142 | Moderate |
| $100,000 | $278,558 | Moderate |
| $125,000 | $351,973 | Moderate |
| $150,000 | $425,388 | Moderate |
| $200,000 | $572,218 | Moderate |
These rows assume no down payment in the solver — your down payment raises what you can buy. Enter your real numbers in the calculator for a personal max.
Texas take-home pay calculator · Comfortable salary in Austin
Austin home prices by area
The citywide median blends expensive and affordable pockets. Use these ranges as a map — not a guarantee for any one listing.
Round Rock / Cedar Park
$400k–$520k
Suburbs popular with tech families. Toll roads add commute cost.
South Austin
$450k–$600k
Hilly terrain and older stock. Check drainage and foundation.
Pflugerville / Manor
$350k–$450k
More reachable for first-time buyers. Longer commute to downtown.
The 28/36 rule in Austin
Lenders often use two caps. Our calculator applies both so you see a realistic max — not just what a bank might pre-approve.
28% front-end
Your full housing payment — mortgage, tax, insurance, and HOA — should stay near or below 28% of gross monthly income. In Austin, insurance and HOA often push buyers over this line before list price does.
36% back-end
All monthly debt plus housing should stay near or below 36% of gross income. A $400 car payment and $250 in student loans shrink your max home price even when income is strong.
Stress meter
We label results Comfortable, Moderate, Stretched, or Over limit. Shop below your max if you want room for repairs, childcare, or savings — especially in Texas where tax and insurance vary by block.
Buying a home in Austin: local context
Austin prices rose fast with tech and migration. Median near $485k is still below California coasts but above Houston.
Tech wages near $88k median help, but list prices in popular zip codes outran income for some buyers. Look at suburbs and satellite towns if you are Stretched.
Property tax near 1.55% plus HOA in many new builds. Run the calculator with both — not mortgage alone.
Remote workers sometimes keep coastal salaries while buying in Austin. If that is you, still model a pay cut scenario before you max out.
Austin prices rose fast with tech and migration. Median near $485k is still below California coasts but above Houston.
Music and service wages lag tech pay — dual income or remote coastal salary often makes the median workable.
Summer heat drives electric bills on large homes. Budget $250+ in July on older HVAC.
Competition cooled from 2022 peaks but popular school zones still see multiple offers.
How much house can I afford in Austin on $100k?
At $100,000 gross, the 28% cap is about $2,333 a month. That often supports $320,000–$380,000 with 20% down — below the city median near $485,000.
Tech layoffs and remote work shifted demand but median price is still above Houston. Suburbs help if downtown listings feel out of reach.
Property tax near 1.55% plus HOA on new builds — enter both in the calculator.
Austin property tax after homestead exemption
Texas homestead caps some annual tax growth but not your first bill after purchase. Budget on full assessed value at close.
School district lines in Travis and Williamson counties change rates. A $450k home in Round Rock may tax differently than the same price in Austin city.
Our model uses planning rates — your protest and exemption status can shift the bill after year one.
What salary for a median Austin home?
For a $485,000 median home with 20% down, plan on $115,000–$130,000 gross at 6.5% with low debt.
Remote workers keeping coastal salaries helped demand. Still model a pay-cut case before you max out.
First-time buyers often target $380k–$420k in suburbs to stay Moderate on the stress meter.
Rent vs buy in Austin
Austin rent near $1,750 rose with home prices. Buying wins on longer timelines if you lock a rate and stay in a growing suburb. Run five- and seven-year cases.
First-time buyer tips in Austin
- Check Williamson vs Travis tax on the same list price.
- New builds often carry HOA and MUD — get the full fee schedule.
- Model toll costs if you commute on 183 or 130.
- Run the calculator if you might return to office full-time — commute may push you closer to town.
FAQ — how much house can I afford in Austin?
How much house can I afford in Austin on $100k?
About $2,333 a month at 28%. That often supports $320k–$380k with 20% down.
Is Austin still a seller’s market?
It varies by zip. Run your offer against the calculator max, not the list price alone.
Is Austin still worth buying vs renting?
Depends on stay length and rate. Use rent vs buy with your real timeline and HOA.
How much down for an Austin townhome?
20% avoids PMI. Some builders offer incentives — still run full PITI.
Can I afford Austin on $120k?
You can often target $400k–$450k with 20% down. Median $485k may feel Stretched with debt.
Austin vs Dallas affordability?
Dallas median is lower. Austin wages are higher but list prices rose faster.