Average Rent in Austin, TX↑ Rents rising 1.3% YoY🔺 Most expensive in TX

Austin, TX has rental prices ranging from $1,549/month to $2,882/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,650/month — 18% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $97,638/year, spending $1,650/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Austin Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,949/month, Austin ranks #1 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — pricier than 97% of all US cities in our data.

The Austin Rental Market

The Austin, TX area has a population of about 2,357,497 and 41% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Austin, TX have risen by $25/month (1.3%) over the past year, from $1,924 to $1,949. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Austin, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $66,000. The local median household income of $97,638 exceeds that threshold by $31,638, making Austin relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Austin, TX is $510,722, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Safety

Crime statistics for Austin, TX show a violent crime rate of 416.13 per 100,000 residents (elevated) and a property crime rate of 2272.64 per 100,000 residents (moderate). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within Austin before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Austin's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North Burnet ($201,188 median home value), Pleasant Valley ($253,988 median home value), Franklin Park ($273,635 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Austin, TX Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Austin?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Austin

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.