Austin, TX vs. Pflugerville, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Austin or Pflugerville? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Austin and Pflugerville. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in these two Texas cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how median rent and home prices compare in Austin vs Pflugerville:
| Housing Type | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Median Rent (2BR Apartment) | $1,850 | $1,550 |
| Median Home Price (3BR) | $450,000 | $380,000 |
🏆 Winner: Pflugerville. Housing costs are about 15-20% lower in Pflugerville compared to Austin. A household moving from Austin to Pflugerville might save $300-400 per month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also play a big role in monthly budgets. In Austin, expect to pay around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment. Pflugerville utility bills average closer to $150 monthly thanks to slightly lower electricity rates.
Both cities experience hot Texas summers, so factor in higher A/C usage from June through September. Some utility providers offer off-peak plans that can help manage summer bills.
🏆 Winner: Pflugerville. While utility costs are similar, Pflugerville residents save about $30 per month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very comparable between Austin and Pflugerville. Expect to budget around $350-400 per month for a single person, or $800+ for a family of four. Restaurant prices are also similar, with a typical meal out costing $12-15 per person in either city.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Day-to-day living costs are nearly identical in Austin and Pflugerville.
4. Taxes and Fees
Texas has no state income tax, so your take-home pay will be the same in either city. However, property taxes and city fees do vary:
- Austin property tax rate: 2.1%
- Pflugerville property tax rate: 2.4%
- Austin HOA fees: $200-300/month
- Pflugerville HOA fees: $150-250/month
🏆 Winner: Austin. While HOA fees are slightly higher, Austin’s lower property tax rate can lead to substantial yearly savings for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,500 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $150 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $150 | $140 |
| Taxes (Property) | $788 | $760 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,518 | $4,000 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax) for consistent comparison. Check out some sample monthly budgets for Austin in 2025 to see how your spending may break down.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Pflugerville offers a lower overall cost of living, Austin provides some lifestyle advantages:
- More walkable neighborhoods and public transit options
- Thriving downtown with world-class dining and nightlife
- Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation
However, Pflugerville’s affordability comes with perks like:
- Quieter residential areas with more space
- Easy commutes to tech employers like Dell and Samsung
- Top-rated Pflugerville ISD schools
Austin averages 5°F warmer summer temps than Pflugerville. Factor in slightly higher A/C bills if you prefer Austin.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Austin more affordable than Pflugerville?
A: No, Pflugerville has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. See the full cost of living breakdown for Austin.
Q: Which city has cheaper rent?
A: Pflugerville rent prices are about 15% lower than Austin as of 2025. A typical 2BR apartment runs $1,550 in Pflugerville vs $1,850 in Austin.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a house?
A: Again, Pflugerville. The median price for a 3BR home is roughly $380,000 in Pflugerville compared to $450,000 in Austin.
8. Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Pflugerville comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families, remote workers, and budget-conscious professionals may prefer Pflugerville’s lower housing costs and small-town feel. However, those craving Austin’s vibrant urban amenities and unmatched access to nature may find the premium worthwhile.
Planning a move to Pflugerville or Austin? Compare moving company costs and options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Be sure to check out our other cost of living breakdowns for major cities across Texas, from Houston to Dallas!