Welcome to Austin! Also known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” this city offers an eclectic, artsy atmosphere with stunning green spaces along Lady Bird Lake.
If you’re considering a move to Austin, it can be hard to narrow down your search. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Austin based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Austin for renters are:
Bouldin Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Austin: $1,382/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Bouldin Creek: $1,404/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Bouldin Creek: 630 square feet
Why Bouldin Creek is good for renters
Bouldin Creek is popular for its proximity to Downtown Austin and easy access to restaurants, bars, and riverside green spaces. This neighborhood is full of character, and its location across the Colorado River from downtown places residents close to everything.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70Bouldin Creek has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
40Bouldin Creek has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
70Bouldin Creek has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
70Bouldin Creek has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rents in Bouldin Creek tend to be higher than the city average, so you’ll likely pay a premium for location and amenities. The location also means competition for luxury units may be higher.
Chestnut
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Austin: $1,382/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chestnut: $1,604/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Chestnut: 725 square feet
Why Chestnut is good for renters
Chestnut offers a highly walkable and bike-friendly location with convenient access to transit. This neighborhood connects residents with local restaurants and coffee shops, giving the area a quaint atmosphere while still being close to downtown. Rents here are a little higher than the city average, but the neighborhood’s location and amenities offer great value.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70Chestnut has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Chestnut has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
60Chestnut has a drivability score of 60 out of 100 |
70Chestnut has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Chestnut is near a lot of activity and in-town traffic corridors, so noise, street traffic, and parking may be factors depending on where you live.
Crestview
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Austin: $1,382/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Crestview: $1,548/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Crestview: 724 square feet
Why Crestview is good for renters
For renters seeking a neighborhood outside the city center that still feels like a community, Crestview delivers on that. There are great dining and shopping options nearby, and schools in the area are highly rated. Its location offers strong transit access via the CapMetro Rail, and residents can get from the Crestview Station to the Downtown Station in about 20 minutes.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70Crestview has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
40Crestview has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
70Crestview has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
70Crestview has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rents in Crestview vary and can hit the higher end of the spectrum. Because it’s increasingly popular, there’s strong competition for luxury units. You may need to act fast when you find something you like.
East Cesar Chavez
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Austin: $1,382/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in East Cesar Chavez: $1,919/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in East Cesar Chavez: 657 square feet
Why East Cesar Chavez is good for renters
East Cesar Chavez offers a lively urban vibe with a strong mix of bars and restaurants just steps away. It’s close to downtown, making commuting or access to city amenities fairly easy. Because of its up-and-coming feel, renters can find stylish units in a central location.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
70East Cesar Chavez has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50East Cesar Chavez has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
80East Cesar Chavez has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
80East Cesar Chavez has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because of its popularity and central location, rents tend to skew toward the higher side of the range for East Austin, and older buildings may have fewer amenities and smaller floor plans.
Hyde Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Austin: $1,382/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Hyde Park: $1,133/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Hyde Park: 575 square feet
Why Hyde Park is good for renters
Hyde Park brings a more residential neighborhood feel while still being near the heart of Austin. With charming architecture and tree-lined streets, this neighborhood is a comfortable home base. Rents are lower than average here, offering great value for renters who want proximity to the city in a slightly quieter environment.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70Hyde Park has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Hyde Park has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
80Hyde Park has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Hyde Park has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Because Hyde Park isn’t a downtown hub, you’ll find fewer new luxury apartments, and amenity packages may not be as hefty as what you’d find in the center of the city.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Austin has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on November 19, 2025, and has been updated to reflect March 2026 data.
FAQs
Is Austin a good place to live?
Yes, Austin is a good place to live for renters who want a lively city atmosphere with diverse cultural offerings, a strong job market, and lots of live music.
Is Austin an expensive place to live?
The cost of living in Austin is 4.4% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many other big cities. On average, rentals in Austin are 10.6% higher than the national average, but groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and goods and services are all less expensive than the national average.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods to start your search.
What’s the average rent in Austin?
The average rent in Austin is $1,382/month, as of March 2026. This is 15% below the national average rent of $1,627/month.
What salary do you need to live in Austin?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Austin would be about $76,000 before tax.
