🇺🇸 Austin · USD salary guide
Is $15,000 enough in Austin?
A full breakdown of whether $15,000/month covers the cost of living in Austin — including take-home pay after tax, monthly costs, your savings rate, and how long until financial independence.
💡 At a 65% savings rate, you could reach financial independence in approximately 10 years — retiring with a portfolio of $1,230,000 covering all your Austin costs indefinitely at a 4% withdrawal rate. 401(k) and Roth IRA. Lower costs + no state tax = better FIRE trajectory than coastal cities.
Key facts about Austin
No Texas state income tax. Fastest growing major US tech city. More affordable than coastal cities with strong salary growth.
Tax situation
No Texas state income tax — federal only. Significant advantage over CA or NY.
Best investment accounts
401(k) and Roth IRA. Lower costs + no state tax = better FIRE trajectory than coastal cities.
Your path to financial independence in Austin
FIRE number for AustinBased on average costs of $4100/month, your financial independence number is $1,230,000 — the portfolio that covers your costs indefinitely at a 4% annual withdrawal.