Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Austin, Texas

In Austin, Texas, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.62 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.17 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,275.78, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.28% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Austin's cost-of-living index of 108 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.62

National: $3.45

148.7%vs. 2022

Avg Rent (All)

$1,275.78

National: $1,900

85.3%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.28%

Year-over-year

Fast Food Avg

$12.31

Combo meal

4.2%YoY

Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.86$2.19$2.83$4.23$2.33+25.3%
Milk (gallon)$3.58$3.79$3.68$3.75$3.83+7.0%
Ground Beef (lb)$4.12$5.16$5.36$5.63$5.86+42.2%
Bread (loaf)$2.34$3.16$3.38$3.62$3.62+54.7%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.85$4.08$4.12$4.12$4.08+6.0%
Butter (lb)$4.29$4.76$5.10$5.30$5.35+24.7%
Bacon (lb)$6.57$7.10$7.38$7.75$7.90+20.2%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$6.05$6.79$7.13$7.42$7.72+27.6%
Pasta (lb)$1.61$1.98$2.08$2.14$2.18+35.4%
Rice (5 lb)$4.42$5.13$5.23$5.23$5.44+23.1%
Coffee (12 oz)$8.51$10.31$11.25$11.69$12.04+41.5%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$4.04$4.67$5.19$5.39$5.49+35.9%
Potatoes (5 lb)$4.13$4.47$4.60$4.74$4.74+14.8%
Apples (3 lb)$4.78$5.07$5.22$5.43$5.65+18.2%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.29$2.62$2.78$2.98$3.07+34.1%
Lettuce (head)$1.91$2.12$2.24$2.38$2.45+28.3%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.79$7.09$7.66$7.89$7.97+37.7%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.33$4.63$4.91$5.16$5.16+19.2%
Cereal (family size)$4.85$5.52$5.85$6.08$6.26+29.1%
Frozen Pizza$6.46$7.75$8.20$8.52$8.86+37.2%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$12.31

Casual Dining

$25.09

Monthly Spend

$388.58

+4.19% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $7.63

$12.31

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $8.62

$13.29

+54.2%

Chipotle

2022: $9.23

$13.79

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $4.46

$6.20

+39.0%

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