Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas are two vibrant cities that both offer unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. Each city has its own distinct character, influenced by its geographical location, culture, and economy. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the two cities, discussing different aspects such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, economy, transportation, taxes, culture, sports, geography, and healthcare. Whether you plan on visiting or moving, you will find the information presented potentially helpful in making your decision.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Austin, TX : 868.6 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 69%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Austin has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) during that time.
Both Phoenix and Austin are generally safe cities, but they have neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Phoenix's crime rate is slightly higher than the national average due to property crimes, but violent crime rates are similar. Meanwhile, Austin's crime rate is slightly below the national average. It's always recommended to research the safest neighborhoods before moving.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 1,411 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Austin is 672 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Phoenix than in Austin.
Cost of Living
Austin has a slightly higher cost of living compared to Phoenix. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference, although grocery and healthcare costs are also higher in Austin. However, Austin residents typically have higher incomes, which balances out the cost difference.
Income Tax
Texas, including Austin, does not have a state income tax, which can be a major draw for people considering moving there. Contrastingly, Arizona imposes a state income tax, with rates currently ranging from 2.59% to 4.5%. This could be an important consideration for those looking to move and work in either city.
Property Tax
Property tax can be a significant aspect of home ownership. Austin’s property taxes are generally higher than Phoenix’s. In Austin, the average property tax rate is about 1.83%, while in Phoenix, it's around 0.62%. This might be significant to prospective homebuyers concerned about ongoing costs.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is another area where these two cities differ. The combined sales tax rate for Phoenix is currently 8.6%, while Austin has a combined sales tax rate of 8.25%. This applies to most goods and services purchased within these cities.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$79,542
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$53,937
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
96.4
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $52,490 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix, located in the Sonoran Desert, offers unique desert landscapes with mountains in virtually every direction. The climate allows for outdoor activities year-round. Alternatively, Austin is located in Central Texas, featuring hill country, lakes, and rivers, offering a wide range of outdoor activities like mountain biking, rock climbing and water sports.
Both Phoenix and Austin have access to quality education ranging from elementary to higher education. Phoenix has a large public school district and multiple universities including the well-known Arizona State University. On the other hand, Austin is home to the prestigious University of Texas and numerous renowned public and private schools.
Both cities have thriving economies. Phoenix's economy is mainly driven by real estate, finance, and healthcare, while Austin's is driven by technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and entertainment. Both cities have a lower unemployment rate than the national average, making them attractive for job seekers.
Biggest Employers
Phoenix’s largest employers come from a range of industries including healthcare, education, and government. Notably, Banner Health and the State of Arizona are among the top. In contrast, Austin's largest employers are in technology and education, with Dell, the State of Texas, and the University of Texas being major employers.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
2020
50.2%
71.7%
48.0%
26.5%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
44.9%
65.8%
47.7%
27.2%
7.5%
7.0%
2012
43.6%
60.2%
54.3%
36.2%
2.1%
3.6%
2008
44.0%
63.8%
54.5%
34.4%
1.5%
1.8%
2004
42.4%
56.1%
57.0%
42.1%
0.6%
1.8%
2000
43.0%
41.7%
53.4%
47.0%
3.6%
11.3%
1996
44.5%
52.4%
47.2%
40.0%
8.2%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
17.3%
4.3%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
8.0%
6.5%
22.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
1.0%
2.0%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
1.5%
2.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.4%
1.3%
2.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
1.2%
1.0%
0.7%
Weather
Weather is another key difference between these two cities. Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. On the other hand, Austin offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild to cool winters. Both cities enjoy plenty of sunshine, but Phoenix can be extremely hot, while Austin experiences more rain.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
68.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
75.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
40%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
49%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
33.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
1.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
19.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
63.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
50%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
7.2 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Phoenix
Austin
Phoenix
Austin
2018
156
76
0.38
N/A
15.2
4.9
28.5
26.7
34.8
N/A
8.6
8.7
0.6
0.2
2017
120
76
0.41
N/A
15.9
4.6
28.6
29.7
34.9
N/A
7.6
8.3
1.4
0.3
2016
114
71
0.44
N/A
15.8
4.2
27.3
29.5
30.6
N/A
7.7
8.2
0.4
0.2
2015
102
78
0.46
N/A
17.6
4.4
27.1
28.9
26.2
N/A
7.9
8.6
0.9
0.3
2014
117
74
0.46
N/A
19.6
5.2
27.6
28.3
37.0
N/A
8.5
8.7
1.1
0.5
2013
130
78
0.43
0.09
19.9
5.5
27.9
29.5
35.3
N/A
8.4
8.6
0.9
0.5
2012
157
86
0.44
0.13
21.2
5.5
28.1
30.1
41.9
N/A
8.8
8.6
1.3
N/A
2011
203
83
0.47
0.11
20.0
2.6
28.3
33.0
41.3
N/A
9.6
9.1
0.9
N/A
2010
100
77
0.48
0.05
19.9
3.2
26.9
29.4
31.2
N/A
8.3
8.8
0.9
N/A
2009
108
76
0.52
0.05
20.1
2.6
25.6
29.7
38.2
N/A
N/A
9.0
1.8
N/A
2008
106
81
0.48
0.12
21.4
3.2
26.6
30.7
39.6
N/A
N/A
9.7
2.4
N/A
2007
129
82
0.54
0.12
23.5
3.1
25.2
27.1
47.6
N/A
N/A
9.8
2.4
N/A
2006
131
89
0.66
0.14
25.3
3.8
24.4
31.3
50.8
N/A
N/A
10.0
2.3
0.2
2005
109
92
0.74
0.15
25.9
4.4
22.2
29.0
44.6
N/A
N/A
10.7
2.5
0.2
2004
98
74
0.77
0.16
25.5
3.3
23.4
26.8
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2003
101
85
0.90
0.26
26.8
4.2
23.7
28.9
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.1
2002
111
83
0.98
0.33
28.7
3.9
23.6
27.2
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2001
106
83
1.00
0.31
28.6
4.2
22.3
25.5
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2000
117
86
1.14
0.28
29.9
4.7
24.6
27.8
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
137.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
80.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
29%
Transportation
Both Phoenix and Austin have a variety of public transportation options. Phoenix is served by Valley Metro, which includes buses and a light rail system. Austin, meanwhile, relies more heavily on buses, with limited light rail service. Both cities are notorious for traffic congestion, so commuting times can be an issue.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
911
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
21
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Bicycle
0.4%
0.8%
Bus
1.8%
1.5%
Carpooled
12.2%
7.9%
Car alone
81.8%
85.9%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.3%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Average
28.6 min
29.9 min
Other means
26.4 min
22.7 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
37.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
91.2%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
6.3%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more costly in Austin than in Phoenix. Austin's housing market is very competitive, with high demand and correspondingly high prices. In contrast, Phoenix offers more affordable housing options, making it an attractive option for many homebuyers.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods, from peaceful suburban areas to lively downtown districts. In Phoenix, neighborhoods like Ahwatukee Foothills and Desert View represent a mix of family-friendly suburbs and comfortable retirement communities. Austin’s neighborhoods such as Hyde Park and Circle C Ranch offer a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Houses
644,625
469,156
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1997
Median year house/condo built
1983
1988
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
449,399 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
196,458 (43.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
252,941 (56.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,286
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,521
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$549,769
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$482,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$595,996
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$393,984
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$262,826
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$576,111
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$56,102
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$459,657
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$571,154
Median house age
36
28
Renting percentage
42.4%
54.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,865.3
House value disparities
30.8%
28.4%
Household income disparities
43.9%
44.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$141,177
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$86,430
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,799 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
6,421 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
132,628 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
206 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
8,515 (6.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Austin
One, detached
60.3%
43.1%
One, attached
4.9%
5.2%
Two
1.4%
2.4%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.1%
5 to 9
5.0%
7.2%
10 to 19
5.3%
11.0%
20 to 49
4.1%
8.9%
50 or more
11.3%
17.2%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
38,777
State government workers
30,385
46,229
Unpaid family workers
1,048
102
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix has a diverse economy focusing on real estate, finance, and healthcare, with many residents working in these sectors. Austin, however, is a global hub for technology and innovation, often referred to as "Silicon Hills" due to the similar tech-focus like Silicon Valley.
Healthcare in both cities is excellent, with top-rated hospitals and medical facilities. Phoenix is home to the Mayo Clinic and Banner University Medical Center, while Austin hosts the Dell Seton Medical Center and Saint David’s HealthCare. The presence of these high-quality healthcare facilities adds to the robustness of the respective cities' healthcare services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Austin
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix and Austin both have good infrastructure. Phoenix is known for its freeway system, and Austin for its roads and bridges. Both cities have international airports and a variety of public transport options. However, both also face challenges related to traffic congestion and road maintenance.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Austin
Hospitals
48
65
TV stations
22
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
264
Bank institutions located here
41
43
Main business address for public companies
41
44
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
46
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Austin
1999
5,846
4,733
2000
4,847
2,950
2001
3,823
2,038
2002
3,472
1,772
2003
5,750
2,213
2004
9,848
2,458
2005
15,879
3,121
2006
18,392
3,367
2007
9,797
2,560
2008
3,130
1,747
2009
1,614
1,067
Culture and Food
Both Austin and Phoenix boast rich cultures and food scenes. Phoenix offers a blend of Native American, Mexican, and cowboy cultures, with local cuisine reflecting this mix. Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," is famous for its food trucks, barbecued meats, and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in both cities. Phoenix is one of only a few cities with franchises in all four major professional sports leagues - NBA’s Suns, NFL’s Cardinals, MLB’s Diamondbacks, and NHL’s Coyotes. Austin has a vibrant sports scene with the University of Texas Longhorns and just became home to Austin FC, the newest team in Major League Soccer.
Phoenix, AZ
Austin, TX
Phoenix, AZ and 
Austin, TX : 868.6 miles
