Affordability in the Austin area can swing quickly based on county, property taxes, and HOA dues. Two homes with the same price can have very different monthly payments depending on where they’re located.

2025 Austin & Central Texas Payment Snapshot

As a general rule of thumb in today’s market:

👉 For every $100,000 borrowed, monthly payments in Central Texas typically fall around
$720–$780 per month, depending on taxes, insurance, and HOA costs.

(This is why location matters just as much as purchase price.)

Property Tax Reality in Central Texas

Property taxes vary widely by county:

• Travis County average tax rate: ~2.21%
• Williamson County: ~2.02%
• Hays County: ~2.10%
• Bastrop County: ~2.35%

That means a $450,000 home in Round Rock can carry a very different monthly payment than a $450,000 home in Kyle, Manor, or Bastrop — even before HOA fees are added.

Austin-Area Affordability Rule of Thumb

A healthy target for most buyers is to keep your total monthly housing payment — mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA — at 30–33% of your gross monthly income.

That guideline may shift slightly depending on:

• HOA-heavy communities
• New construction neighborhoods
• Tax districts or MUDs
• Personal comfort level and savings goals

What you qualify for and what feels comfortable aren’t always the same — especially in a market like Austin. The smartest approach is running numbers specific to your income and the exact area you’re buying in.

If you want help dialing that in, I’m always happy to break it down clearly.