A few years ago, the Austin rental market was probably the hottest rental market in the U.S.

Major companies like Tesla, Oracle, and Apple flocked to Texas, and with the influx of remote workers, home prices and rents skyrocketed.

Many people who moved to Austin at that time reported that "the rent increased by 30-40% when it was time to renew the lease."

However, the atmosphere changed dramatically in 2025. It has entered a phase of adjustment.

While it remains one of the popular cities in Texas, it has calmed down significantly compared to the overheated market of 2022-2023.

As of 2025, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Austin is around $1,524, while Zillow reports it at about $1,439.

Realistically, the rent for a 1-bedroom in Austin can be seen as ranging from $1,400 to $1,600 per month.

The more interesting part is the 2-bedroom market.

Currently, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Austin is roughly between $1,850 and $2,300.

In areas like downtown or South Congress, where new luxury apartments are concentrated, many places exceed $2,500, but in northern Round Rock, Pflugerville, or eastern Del Valle, you can easily find listings around $1,800.

In other words, even within Austin, it's common to see rent differences of over $700 depending on the area.

First-time visitors to Austin may feel that rents are high compared to the city's size.

However, compared to California's Los Angeles or San Francisco, or New York's Manhattan, it is still relatively more affordable.

Recently, the increase in new apartment supply is also having an impact.

In the past, it was a landlord's market, but now it has shifted to a market that is a bit more favorable for tenants.

In fact, there are more complexes offering promotions like one month of free rent, parking fee discounts, and move-in bonuses.

Therefore, those looking for a home in Austin now have much more room for negotiation than before.

Especially for ground-floor units, units with poor views, or older complexes, the possibility of rent discounts is higher than expected.

One positive aspect in terms of living costs is that Texas has no state income tax.

People moving from California or New York often feel an increase in their take-home pay even with the same salary.

Of course, there are hidden costs to living in Austin. The electricity bill during the summer.

Summers in Austin are quite hot. In July and August, there are many days exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because air conditioning needs to be running continuously, the electricity bill for a 1-bedroom apartment often ranges from $90 to $150, while for a 2-bedroom apartment, it can be between $120 and $220.

Ultimately, the current Austin rental market can be seen as entering a phase where tenants can finally catch their breath after the surge.

If you are considering moving to Austin, now is a good time to take your time and negotiate rather than rushing in.