Buda, TX vs. Pflugerville, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Buda and Pflugerville? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison for these two popular Austin suburbs:
- 🏠 Median home price: $450K in Buda vs $425K in Pflugerville
- 🛋️ Average 2BR rent: $1,800/mo in Buda vs $1,950/mo in Pflugerville
- ⚡ Typical utility bills: $180/mo in Buda vs $200/mo in Pflugerville
- 🍎 Grocery costs: About 5% lower in Buda than Pflugerville
- 💸 Property tax rate: 2.2% in Buda vs 2.4% in Pflugerville
For a deeper dive, let’s break down the key factors that impact the real cost of living in Buda compared to Pflugerville.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a monthly budget. Here’s how Buda and Pflugerville stack up for typical options:
| Housing Type | Buda | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $425,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $1,950 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,400 | $2,600 |
🏆 Winner: Buda. You’ll generally pay less for comparable homes and rentals in Buda vs Pflugerville.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly utility bills around:
- $180 in Buda
- $200 in Pflugerville
Both have hot summers, so electric bills peak in July and August. Many residents take advantage of free nights and weekend plans from providers like Austin Energy to cut AC costs.
🏆 Winner: Buda, but only by about $20/month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Buda than Pflugerville, thanks to more discount supermarket options. Eating out is similarly affordable in both cities, with entrees around $12-18 at most casual restaurants.
For other common purchases like gas, childcare, and entertainment, costs are nearly identical between Buda and Pflugerville.
🏆 Winner: Buda, but the difference is minimal for most households.
Taxes and Fees
Buda has a slightly lower property tax rate of 2.2% compared to Pflugerville’s 2.4%. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $67 per month.
Both cities have HOAs in most neighborhoods, typically ranging from $30-100/month. Buda’s HOA fees more often include extras like lawn care and trash service.
🏆 Winner: Buda. Lower property taxes can add up to substantial savings over time.
Cost of Living in Buda vs Pflugerville
To sum it all up, here’s a side-by-side look at the core monthly costs in each city, based on a family of four in a 3BR house:
| Cost Category | Buda | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage or Rent) | $2,400 | $2,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $840 |
| Transportation | $500 | $500 |
| Taxes (Property) | $825 | $892 |
| Misc Costs | $800 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,505 | $5,832 |
The bottom line? Living in Buda is about $327 cheaper per month than Pflugerville for a comparable lifestyle, based on 2025 cost of living data. That’s nearly $4,000 in annual savings.
Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Buda and Pflugerville also have some notable lifestyle differences:
- Buda has a smaller, more rural feel with lower population density.
- Pflugerville offers more dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Buda is about 10 miles closer to downtown Austin, saving on commute time.
- Pflugerville has a lower violent crime rate, though both are very safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buda more affordable than Pflugerville?
Yes, Buda has a lower overall cost of living than Pflugerville, primarily due to cheaper housing, lower taxes, and slightly lower food and utility costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Buda has lower average rent than Pflugerville. As of 2025, a typical 2BR apartment runs about $1,800/month in Buda compared to $1,950/month in Pflugerville.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Buda has a lower median home price of $450,000 vs $425,000 in Pflugerville (2025 data). Buda also has a lower property tax rate of 2.2% compared to Pflugerville’s 2.4%.
The Verdict
While both Buda and Pflugerville are popular Austin suburbs, Buda comes out ahead on affordability. Budgeting $5,505 per month in Buda allows a similar lifestyle to $5,832 per month in Pflugerville.
Buda is ideal for those seeking a smaller community with a rural vibe that’s still close to Austin. Pflugerville appeals more to those who prefer a newer suburb with ample amenities.
Ultimately, the right fit depends on your household priorities and budget. Be sure to compare cost of living in other Central Texas cities like Round Rock and San Marcos as well. And if you plan to hire movers, get multiple quotes to find the best deal.