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: $1,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Bouldin Creek: $1,424/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.
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: $1,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chestnut: $1,592/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Chestnut: 727 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.
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: $1,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Crestview: $1,527/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Crestview: 717 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.
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: $1,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in East Cesar Chavez: $1,878/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.
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: $1,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Hyde Park: $1,181/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Hyde Park: 574 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.
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.
Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s November 2025 reports.
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 3.8% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many other big cities. On average, housing in Austin is 14.3% higher than the national average, but groceries, utilities, and transportation 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 $1,388/month, as of November 2025. This is 15% below the national average rent of $1,631/month.
What salary do you need to live in Austin?
According to our rent affordability calculator, you’ll need an annual post-tax income of $55,600 to afford Austin’s average rent of $1,388. This means a comfortable salary to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and entertainment would be around $65,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on your lifestyle.
