How Much Should You Spend on Rent in Austin?

One of the first questions people ask when moving to Austin is: "How much should I spend on rent?" The answer depends on your income, your lifestyle, and where you want to live. Here's a practical guide to figuring out the right number.

The 30% Rule (And When to Break It)

The most common advice is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. Here's what that looks like at different salary levels:

| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross | 30% of Gross | |--------------|--------------|-------------| | $45,000 | $3,750 | $1,125 | | $55,000 | $4,583 | $1,375 | | $70,000 | $5,833 | $1,750 | | $85,000 | $7,083 | $2,125 | | $100,000 | $8,333 | $2,500 |

The 30% rule is a solid starting point, but it's not gospel. You might comfortably spend more if you have no car payment, no student loans, and low expenses. On the other hand, if you're saving aggressively for a home or paying off debt, you might want to aim for 25% or less.

Don't Forget the Hidden Costs

Rent is just one part of your monthly housing cost. In Austin, plan for:

• Utilities — electricity (Austin Energy), water/trash (often included in some complexes), internet ($50–$80/month). Summer electric bills can spike to $150+ due to AC.
• Parking — downtown complexes often charge $100–$200/month for a garage spot. Suburban complexes usually include parking.
• Renter's insurance — $15–$30/month, and most complexes require it.
• Pet rent — if you have a pet, expect $25–$50/month plus a one-time pet deposit of $200–$500.

Add these up and your true housing cost could be $200–$400 more than your base rent.

Austin Rent by Neighborhood

Here's a rough guide to average 1-bedroom rents across popular Austin neighborhoods in 2026:

• Downtown: $1,800 – $2,800
• East Austin: $1,400 – $2,000
• South Congress: $1,500 – $2,200
• The Domain / North Austin: $1,300 – $1,900
• Mueller: $1,300 – $1,800
• Pflugerville: $1,000 – $1,400

If your budget is tight, looking slightly outside the urban core — Pflugerville, Round Rock, or Cedar Park — can save you hundreds per month while still keeping Austin accessible.

A Smarter Way to Think About It

Instead of just looking at the percentage, think about what's left after rent. Ask yourself:

1. After rent and fixed expenses, do I have enough for groceries, transportation, and basics?
2. Can I still save at least 10–15% of my income?
3. Do I have a cushion for unexpected expenses?

If the answer to all three is yes, you're in good shape — even if you're slightly above or below 30%.

Need Help Finding Something in Budget?

I'm Alex Wilton, a licensed apartment locator with Relive Realty. I help Austin renters find apartments that fit their budget every day — and my services are completely free to you. Tell me your budget and I'll send you options.