Austin, Texas is quickly becoming one of the most popular cities for families, young professionals, and retirees. The incredible weather, endless job opportunities, and fun attractions make living in Austin desirable for people of all ages. Due to its popularity, Austin is one of the most expensive places to live in Texas. Austin has a Cost of Living Index of 119.3, which means it is 19.3% more expensive than the national average of 100. The Austin real estate market is competitive, with an average home price of $535,000. This is higher than the national average of $400,378.
Although the cost of living in Austin is high, there are many affordable options just outside of the city. If you have already browsed through the best suburbs in Austin but want a more affordable option, then check out these 9 affordable Austin suburbs.
Elgin, TX | Affordable Austin Suburb With a Small Town Feel
- Population: 9,784
- Distance to Austin: 25.6 miles
- Median household income: $78,169
- Median home price: $295,848
- Median rent: $1,334
- Crime rate: 274 per 100,000 people (88.3% lower than the U.S. average)
Located just 25 miles east of downtown Austin, Elgin is one of the most affordable Austin suburbs. Elgin is great for those who are seeking a small town feel, with a population of just under 10,000. This beautiful Austin suburb boasts some of the lowest housing prices in the state of Texas, with most houses selling for under $300,000.
When living in Elgin, you can enjoy family-friendly attractions such as the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm and Elgin Memorial Park. Interstate 290 runs directly through Elgin, making it perfect for commuters or those who need easy access to Austin.
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Lockhart, TX | Beautiful Austin Suburb With Top-Rated Schools
- Population: 14,379
- Distance to Austin: 33.3 miles
- Median household income: $64,633
- Median home price: $303,105
- Median rent: $1,289
- Crime rate: 1,364 per 100,000 people (41.9% lower than the U.S. average)
Also known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” Lockhart is one of the cheapest places to live in Austin. This affordable Austin suburb consists of many beautiful ranch-style homes perfect for small families or couples. Lockhart also has some of the cheapest land in Austin, making it a great option for those who want to build their own custom home.
Lockhart is a great option for those who are moving to Austin with children. The suburb is home to some of the best schools in Austin, including Lockhard Jr. High School and Lockhart High School. You and your children can also enjoy nearby attractions such as Lockhard City Park and Hometown Cinemas. Lockhart is also well-known in the movie industry and was the filming location for many popular movies, including Transformers: Age of Extinction, Where the Heart Is, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and A Perfect World.
Round Rock, TX | Bustling Austin Suburb Great for Young Professionals
- Population: 119,468
- Distance to Austin: 18.5 miles
- Median household income: $86,587
- Median home price: $448,453
- Median rent: $1,598
- Crime rate: 1,793 per 100,000 people (23.6% lower than the U.S. average)
If you want a big city feel without the sky-high prices, then you should consider living in Round Rock. Round Rock is an urban area with a population of nearly 120,000; however, the average home prices are much lower than Austin. If you are moving to Austin as a young professional, then Round Rock is certainly a suburb to consider. This cheap Austin suburb is the international headquarters of Dell, which employs over 16,000 people. There are also many other job opportunities in Round Rock, such as IKEA, La Frontera Center, and the Premium Outlet Mall.
When living in Round Rock, make sure you catch a baseball game at Dell Diamond. You will also want to take a stroll through Downtown Round Rock and take your furry friend to the Round Rock Dog Depot.
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Leander, TX | Vibrant Austin Suburb With Exciting Outdoor Activity Options
- Population: 59,202
- Distance to Austin: 27.1 miles
- Median household income: $117,090
- Median home price: $453,455
- Median rent: $1,685
- Crime rate: 965 per 100,000 people (58.9% lower than the U.S. average)
Leander is one of the most affordable Austin, TX suburbs. This popular suburb has seen a population increase of over 124% over the past 10 years and was the fastest-growing city in the United States between 2018 and 2019. Due to popular demand, Leander is seeing an uptick in home prices, but the average price is still much less than the average in Austin. Leander is home to many new-construction homes and master-built communities that will provide you with luxury homes at an affordable price.
Living in Leander is great for those who love to spend time outside. You will find some of Texas’s best outdoor attractions in Leander, such as Crystal Falls Golf Club, Devine Lake Park, and Southwest Williamson County Regional Park.
San Marcos, TX | Hip Austin Suburb With Convenient Central Location
- Population: 67,553
- Distance to Austin: 31 miles
- Median household income: $42,500
- Median home price: $318,578
- Median rent: $1,640
- Crime rate: 2,524 per 100,000 people (7.6% higher than U.S. average)
Located directly between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is one of the cheapest places to live near Austin. San Marcos is incredibly popular among college students as it is home to Texas State University. Students and their families will be happy to know that both home prices and rent prices are well below the state average.
Because of the college scene, San Marcos has a very active nightlife and entertainment scene. You can check out amazing breweries such as Middleton Brewing and AquaBrew, or do some shopping at San Marcos Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets.
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Wells Branch, TX | Small Austin Suburb Popular Among Families
- Population: 14,000
- Distance to Austin: 15 miles
- Median household income: $58,583
- Median home price: $376,500
- Median rent: $1,537
- Crime rate: 2,000 per 100,000 people (15% lower than the U.S. average)
Situated just 15 miles north of downtown Austin, Wells Branch is easily one of the most affordable Austin, Texas, suburbs. Buying a home in Wells Branch will keep you close to Austin without breaking the bank. Despite being so close to Austin, Wells Branch gives off a cozy small-city vibe that is hard to find anywhere else in the area. This Austin suburb is only 2.5 square miles, giving it a population density of 5,600 people per square mile.
Wells Branch is popular among families as it is close to many top-rated schools such as the Wells Branch Arts Integration Academy and Chaparral Star Academy. You and your family can also check out popular attractions such as Katherine Fleischer Park and the Wells Branch Community Library.
Kyle, TX | Charming Suburb in Austin With Fair Rent Prices
- Population: 45,697
- Distance to Austin: 21.9 miles
- Median household income: $80,622
- Median home price: $338,000
- Median rent: $1,566
- Crime rate: 1,218 per 100,000 people (48.1% lower than the U.S. average)
When searching for cheap places to live in Austin, TX, Kyle is at the top of the list. Kyle is easily one of the cheapest Austin suburbs and is located just 21 miles southwest of the downtown area. Kyle is a popular area among renters and has many modern apartment complexes such as Strand, Ariza Plum Creek Apartments, and Oaks of Kyle Apartments. The average rent in Kyle is well below the Austin average of $1,799.
When living in Kyle, Texas, you have to take part in the Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival. This annual event is held on Labor Day weekend and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to view air balloons and take part in pie eating contests. You should also check out attractions such as the Kyle Flea Market and Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park.
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Manor, TX | Affordable Suburb in Austin With a Rural Feel
- Population: 13,652
- Distance to Austin: 14.7 miles
- Median household income: $91,285
- Median home price: $359,990
- Median rent: $1,612
- Crime rate: 1,561 per 100,000 people (33.5% lower than the U.S. average)
Voted the 17th best small suburb to live in by U.S. News and World Report, Manor is one of the most affordable places to live in Austin, Texas. Manor is only 14 miles away from the big city of Austin, but you would never know it! This Austin suburb offers its residents a rural feel, with many incredible nature opportunities. Most of the homes in Manor are spacious and come with large yards, providing homeowners with more square feet for their money.
Living in Manor is perfect for outdoor lovers. You can enjoy horseback riding at Southern Trails, play golf at the ShadowGlen Golf Club, and take a long walk at Longhorn Cavern State Park. However, if you want a taste of the city, just hop on Manor Expressway for a 28 minute drive to downtown Austin.
Hutto, TX | Safe Austin Suburb With Charming Homes and Amazing Job Opportunities
- Population: 27,577
- Distance to Austin: 27.9 miles
- Median household income: $94,807
- Median home price: $360,000
- Median rent: $1,661
- Crime rate: 757 per 100,000 people (67.7% lower than the U.S. average)
Hutto, Texas is one of the most affordable places to live in Austin. This beautiful suburb provides residents with a charming, small-town feel in a convenient location close to the city. With home prices well below the state average, Hutto is a smart choice for homebuyers on a budget.
If you are searching for jobs near Austin, then you will be happy to know that Hutto has a lot to offer you. Hutto is a growing commercial center and generates thousands of new jobs each year. There are many job opportunities provided by the City of Hutto as well as shopping centers nearby. Hutto also has some of the best restaurants in Austin, such as The Downtown Hall of Fame and the Texan Cafe & Pie Shop.
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Affordable Austin Suburbs Map
There are plenty of affordable suburbs of Austin, TX for you to choose from. You can easily enjoy the beautiful city of Austin without a high cost of living. If you are ready to make your move to Austin, Texas, then let Unicorn Moving help you. Our reliable movers in Austin are here to help with any and all of your relocation needs. Give us a call today at 512-339-9922 to discuss your move and receive a free quote.
