Austin, Texas, and Trabuco, California, offer unique experiences and opportunities for both residents and tourists alike. While Austin is synonymous with a vibrant music scene, world-renowned festivals and a dynamic economy, Trabuco offers a more suburban feel, less hustle and bustle, and access to beautiful natural sceneries. Each city provides its distinct advantages, from quality education and diverse food culture to the strength of their local economies and safety score.
Austin has recently experienced an increase in crime rate as the city grows, however, compared to other major cities, Austin's crime rate is relatively low. The city invests heavily in public safety, with various community policing initiatives. On the other hand, Trabuco, with its relatively small population, boasts low crime rates, adding to the appeal for those seeking a more tranquil, secure lifestyle. Both cities invest in community programs and have effective law enforcement agencies to ensure residents' safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is slightly lower than the national average, especially when compared to coastal cities like Trabuco. This is mainly due to comparatively affordable housing. Trabuco, being in Orange County, has a higher cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, which is significantly higher than the national average. However, it should be noted that the general income level in Trabuco is also higher than the national average.
Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, making Austin more desirable for people seeking tax-friendly living conditions. California, in contrast, has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Austin are relatively high compared to the rest of the country, although this information should be offset against lower housing costs. In Trabuco, property taxes are lower, but again, the overall property values are higher.
Sales Tax
Austin has a sales tax of 8.25%, while Trabuco, like all of Orange County, has a slightly lower rate at 7.75%. These rates include both state and local taxes.
Income
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$137,080
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$62,838
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
94.2
If you make $50,000 in Trabuco, you will have to make $51,168 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin, located in Central Texas, is characterized by rolling plains and is close to the Hill Country region, with plentiful parks and lakes. Trabuco is nestled by Santa Ana Mountains and is close to the beach, offering an excellent outdoors experience.
Geographical information
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Land area
251.5 sq. miles
221.7 sq. miles
Population density
3,833.4 people per sq. mile
873.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Austin, TX Trabuco, CA
Education
When it comes to education, both cities excel. Austin houses the renowned University of Texas and a number of other excellent educational facilities. Trabuco is known for its high-achieving local schools, part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, and proximity to reputable universities like the University of California, Irvine.
Austin's robust economy is highly diversified, with growth in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education, helped by favorable business policies in Texas. Trabuco, though smaller, benefits from being in California's highly diversified economy, with good job opportunities in healthcare, tourism, and education.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, the University of Texas, Dell, and the State of Texas are among the biggest employers. Trabuco, being a small city, doesn't have major corporations, but the proximity to larger cities and the larger Orange County area provides opportunities with big employers like Disneyland, the University of California system, and various healthcare providers.
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Trabuco (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
2020
71.7%
53.6%
26.5%
44.6%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
65.8%
50.9%
27.2%
42.4%
7.0%
6.7%
2012
60.2%
45.8%
36.2%
52.0%
3.6%
2.3%
2008
63.8%
47.8%
34.4%
50.3%
1.8%
1.9%
2004
56.1%
39.3%
42.1%
60.2%
1.8%
0.5%
2000
41.7%
40.4%
47.0%
55.9%
11.3%
3.7%
1996
52.4%
37.9%
40.0%
51.7%
7.7%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
26.5%
4.5%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
2.3%
22.8%
8.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.4%
2.8%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.8%
0.7%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.4%
2.5%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.6%
2.1%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.2%
Weather
Weather in Austin is mostly humid and subtropical, featuring hot summers and mild winters. It provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities all year round, but can be uncomfortably hot in peak summer. Trabuco, located in Southern California, offers a Mediterranean climate – mild, wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers—overall, milder and more comfortable climate than Austin, especially for those less accustomed to Texas heat.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
62.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
69%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
24.6%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
76.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
52.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
26.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
77.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
83.1%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
62%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
5.5 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Trabuco, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
Austin
Trabuco
2018
76
121
N/A
0.19
4.9
10.4
26.7
34.0
23.9
N/A
8.7
8.8
0.2
N/A
2017
76
122
N/A
0.22
4.6
10.2
29.7
34.6
24.3
N/A
8.3
12.1
0.3
N/A
2016
71
112
N/A
0.13
4.2
10.5
29.5
34.0
22.6
N/A
8.2
10.8
0.2
0.1
2015
78
123
N/A
0.08
4.4
11.0
28.9
32.7
21.4
N/A
8.6
12.1
0.3
0.1
2014
74
107
N/A
0.10
5.2
10.6
28.3
31.5
25.9
N/A
8.7
13.4
0.5
0.3
2013
78
110
0.09
0.16
5.5
11.3
29.5
30.0
25.8
N/A
8.6
11.6
0.5
0.2
2012
86
114
0.13
0.28
5.5
11.1
30.1
30.4
23.5
N/A
8.6
12.0
N/A
0.1
2011
83
129
0.11
0.14
2.6
11.6
33.0
30.4
25.3
N/A
9.1
12.7
N/A
0.3
2010
77
113
0.05
0.21
3.2
11.9
29.4
30.9
23.4
N/A
8.8
12.7
N/A
0.6
2009
76
134
0.05
0.13
2.6
14.1
29.7
31.6
26.3
N/A
9.0
13.5
N/A
1.1
2008
81
142
0.12
0.24
3.2
14.7
30.7
31.8
36.1
N/A
9.7
12.0
N/A
1.1
2007
82
114
0.12
0.22
3.1
15.1
27.1
30.7
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
0.8
2006
89
113
0.14
0.30
3.8
15.9
31.3
30.9
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.2
1.3
2005
92
112
0.15
0.27
4.4
15.4
29.0
29.9
N/A
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.2
1.3
2004
74
132
0.16
0.27
3.3
16.5
26.8
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2003
85
132
0.26
0.34
4.2
19.4
28.9
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
1.1
2002
83
130
0.33
0.38
3.9
19.0
27.2
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2001
83
140
0.31
0.48
4.2
19.3
25.5
27.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2000
86
140
0.28
0.46
4.7
20.9
27.8
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
17.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
6,886.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
32%
Transportation
Austin has more extended public transportation, including buses, light rail, and bike share programs, although traffic congestion can be a significant issue. Trabuco does not offer major public transit options, but has lesser traffic issues, and its residents often commute to nearby larger cities for work.
Transport
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Bicycle
0.8%
0.1%
Bus
1.5%
0.7%
Carpooled
7.9%
9.8%
Car alone
85.9%
82.2%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2%
0.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Average
29.9 min
29.5 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Trabuco is significantly more expensive than in Austin, reflecting California's overall high property value. While Austin also has rising property costs, it still remains more affordable. Austin features a mix of modern downtown condos and traditional single-family houses, while Trabuco offers mainly single-family homes in a more suburban setting.
Neighborhoods
Austin’s neighborhoods offer variety, from the vibrant downtown to the peaceful suburbs, each with its distinct culture and vibe. Trabuco, being smaller, offers a relatively uniform suburban neighborhood, quieter and more laid back than Austin's urban core.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Houses
469,156
65,231
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.9
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
63,870 (97.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
51,733 (81%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
12,137 (19%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$2,415
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$1,099,558
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$950,072
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.1
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
294.2
Household income disparities
44.8%
34.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
4,627 (10%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
216 (0.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
41,874 (90%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
4,834 (10.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
7,104 (15.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
0.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
7,574
State government workers
46,229
2,599
Unpaid family workers
102
310
Industries and Occupations
Austin's primary industries are high tech, digital media, and green energy. Trabuco favors healthcare, education, and retail. Tech professionals may find more opportunities in Austin, while Trabuco could be more attractive to healthcare and education professionals.
Austin has an abundance of healthcare resources with a high concentration of hospitals, including the acclaimed Dell Seton Medical Center. Trabuco is served by numerous clinics and hospitals in the wider Orange County area, ensuring quality healthcare for residents.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Trabuco
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin, as a rapidly growing city, is continuously investing in its infrastructure and facilities, from heat-resistant streets to improved water systems. Trabuco, a quieter suburb, maintains a solid infrastructure but without the urgent need for rapid expansion as seen in Austin.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Trabuco
TV stations
20
1
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Schools
School facilities
Type
Austin
Trabuco
Private elementary/middle schools
35
0
Private high schools
22
0
Public elementary/middle schools
184
3
Public high schools
54
0
Colleges/Universities
37
0
Culture and Food
Culturally, Austin is known for its music scene, with numerous live music venues and famous festivals like South by Southwest. It is also noted for its culinary scene, offering a fusion of global cuisines with a strong emphasis on Tex-Mex and barbecue. Trabuco, while not as diverse, offers a selection of eateries featuring California-style cuisine. Its cultural life benefits from being part of the vibrant Orange County region, offering easy access to various cultural performances, venues and events.
Sports Teams
Austin hosts a few professional sports teams, including Austin FC in the Major League Soccer and an upcoming team in the United Soccer League. It does not host any major league football, baseball, or basketball teams. Trabuco has no professional sports teams of its own, but residents can enjoy LA-based professional teams in all major sports thanks to its close proximity.
Austin, TX
Trabuco, CA
Austin, TX and 
Trabuco, CA : 1,185.5 miles
