Austin, Texas, “the Live Music Capital of the World®,” is quickly becoming home for many Texans and out-of-staters alike. From the legendary Tex-Mex to the unique music scene, it’s no surprise that nearly 961k people are living in Austin. The city is growing in popularity and price, so if you’re considering buying a home in Austin, you can expect the median home sale price to be $548,800. Or if you’re looking at apartments for rent in Austin, the average rent for a 1 bedroom is $1,558 and a 2 bedroom is $2,036.
If that price doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry! Redfin rounded up a list of the 10 best affordable Austin suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 45-minute drive from the city. That way you can live close to Austin and all its unique activities without paying the premium price of living there.
#1: Lockhart, TX
Median home price: $270,000
Driving distance from Austin: 40 minutes
Lockhart, TX homes for sale
Lockhart, TX apartments for rent
With a population of 14,379, Lockhart comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Austin suburbs. The median sale price of a home in Lockhart is nearly half that of Austin and only 40 minutes away from downtown. Living in Lockhart, you can spend the weekend fishing, camping, and hiking at Lockhart State Park. This suburb is also home to the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches and the Caldwell County Museum where you can learn about the region’s history.
“Hiking the trails of Lockhart State Park is one of our favorite budget-friendly activities,” shares Explore Monde. “If you’re looking for a tranquil experience, take the Creekview Trail or the Wild Rose Loop for a gentle stroll. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Rattlesnake Run Trail or the Persimmon Trail for a more challenging hike and some beautiful views of nature.”
Your future home is just a tap away
Explore homes with the Redfin app anytime, anywhere.
#2: Elgin, TX
Your future home is just a tap away
Median home price: $283,732
Driving distance from Austin: 45 minutes
Elgin, TX homes for sale
Elgin, TX apartments for rent
Elgin, Texas, “the Brick Capital of the Southwest,” lands the second spot on our list. Only 45 minutes from Austin, you’ll find yourself attending a University of Texas football game in no time. Notable places to visit when living in Elgin are Morris Memorial Park and Elgin Depot Museum. If you choose to live in this suburb of 9,784 people, you can also spend time exploring Main Street and it’s charming restored brick buildings.
“Every Friday in Downtown Elgin, you can experience the unique atmosphere of Texas’ Sausage Capital,” shares Austin Detours. “At the Elgin Farmers Market, over 40 local vendors are highlighted, selling artisanal goods, freshly-prepared food, and local produce. Enjoy the art, food, and relaxed vibe of this charming market.”
#3: Kyle, TX
Median home price: $345,000
Driving distance from Austin: 30 minutes
Kyle, TX homes for sale
Kyle, TX apartments for rent
30 minutes away from Austin’s downtown, is the suburb of Kyle. With a population of 45,697, you’ll have a small town feel while still being close enough to explore Austin after work or during the weekend. If you move to this affordable suburb, make sure to visit Lake Kyle Park and enjoy the views. For golf fans, set aside the time to play 18 holes at Plum Creek Golf Course.
#4: Manor, TX
Median home price: $345,750
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Manor, TX homes for sale
Manor, TX apartments for rent
With homes nearly the same price as Kyle, Manor is the fourth Austin suburb to make our list. About 13,652 people live in this Texas town and you can drive to Austin in about 25 minutes. Make sure to check out the Old West storefronts at J. Lorraine, TX. Ghost Town Austin or spend the afternoon at East Metropolitan Park.
“Visiting J.Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor, Austin is my favorite budget-friendly activity to do with my family,” says HotMamaTravel.com. “We have a great time surrounded by the wild west atmosphere and listening to live music and watching outdoor movies.”
#5: Wells Branch, TX
Median home price: $398,500
Driving distance from Austin: 20 minutes
Wells Branch, TX homes for sale
Wells Branch, TX apartments for rent
Drive 20 minutes outside of Austin and you’ll find the suburb of Wells Branch. With 14,000 residents, buying a home in this affordable suburb can keep you close enough to Austin, while spending about $150,000 less for a home. When living in Wells Branch, spend the morning biking along the trails at Katherine Fleischer Park or take a short drive north to Round Rock. Don’t forget to stop by the Mills Pond Recreation Area to fish along the pier.
“If you’re looking for a great breakfast in Austin that won’t break the bank, you should definitely check out Davi’s Tacos near Wells Branch. Their mouth-watering migas tacos are only $2.50 and are said to be the best in Austin,” recommends Somewhere Someway.”
#6: Pflugerville, TX
Median home price: $415,000
Driving distance from Austin: 30 minutes
Pflugerville, TX homes for sale
Pflugerville, TX apartments for rent
Another well-known suburb of Austin is Pflugerville, where the median home sale price is over $100,000 less than in Austin. Pflugerville is a great suburb to consider moving to and has just about 65,191 people living there. From spending summer days at Typhoon Texas Waterpark Austin to fishing at Lake Pflugerville, there’s many outdoor activities to do and see in Pflugerville.
#8: Buda, TX
Median home price: $435,000
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Buda, TX homes for sale
Buda, TX apartments for rent
If you’ve been living in Austin for some time, the town of Buda might ring a bell. About 15,108 residents call this great suburb home, and with the short commute time, you’ll have a small fraction of Austin’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. After moving to Buda, plan a walk through the Historic Stagecoach Park or catch a show at the Buda Amphitheater & City Park.
“Only a short 15 minute drive away from The Driskill, the Meridian in Buda is an entertainment experience worth the journey,” recommends Finally, We Get To Travel!. “This 125 year old building doubles as a coffee shop during the day, and transforms into a vibrant bar providing free comedic entertainment every Tuesday night.”
#9: Round Rock, TX
Median home price: $456,500
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Round Rock, TX homes for sale
Round Rock, TX apartments for rent
Round Rock, Texas is a great place to consider moving to that will get you access to downtown Austin in just about 25 minutes. About 119,468 people live in this affordable suburban town, but you’ll be surrounded by small towns and nature to explore in your free time. Fun activities to do in Round Rock include exploring Rock’N River Water Park during the summer season, having a picnic at Old Settlers Park, and checking out Play for All Abilities Park.
“Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, TX, is the perfect place for a budget-friendly outdoor adventure,” shares Smart Austin Realty. “With 640 acres of space, the park offers plenty of activities, such as disc golf, cricket, and barbecuing at one of the pavilions. It’s well-known among the youth and amateur leagues for its sports and recreation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and affordable day out in Round Rock.”
Ranger Guard states, “A great, wallet-friendly outing for families in Round Rock, TX is a visit to Chisholm Trail Crossing Park. People can bring their own picnic lunch and take in the stunning views of the park, or even take a dip in the waterfall.”
#10: Cedar Park, TX
Median home price: $475,000
Driving distance from Austin: 25 minutes
Cedar Park, TX homes for sale
Cedar Park, TX apartments for rent
Cedar Park, Texas takes the last spot on our list of best affordable Austin suburbs to live in. Without traffic, you can drive to Austin in roughly 25 minutes. This suburb has a population of 77,595, making it much less than Austin’s population. Home to the Austin Steam Train Association Museum, Brushy Creek Lake Park, and Elizabeth Milburn Pool, you’ll have plenty of unique activities to take part in while living in Cedar Park. If you’re not sure about buying your first home, you can check out the most affordable Austin suburbs to rent an apartment.
“Spending time with my family at the Brushy Creek Trails in Cedar Park has become a tradition,” recommends Four Points Mom. “We have had a lot of fun running along the trails, searching for dinosaur bones at Champion Park’s playground, and cooling off at the splash pad at Brushy Creek Park. All of these activities make for a perfect and inexpensive way to spend a weekend day.”
8 things to do in Austin suburbs
1. Barton Springs Pool
“One of my favorite activities to do in Austin, Texas on a budget is to visit Barton Springs Pool,” shares Wine Travel Kids. “Not only is admission free, but you can also have a great time swimming, sunbathing, and observing the people around you.”
2. Barton Creek Greenbelt
“Exploring the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas is our favorite free activity. Perfect for outdoor lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun with friends and family – hiking, biking, climbing, swimming, and more,” shares BonnieClydeWorldwide. “One of our most cherished memories as a couple was spending a sunny day at the Greenbelt, lazily floating in the current.”
3. Lady Bird Lake
“Paddling Lady Bird Lake is one of my favorite ways to disconnect from technology and relax,” suggests West Austin Trees. “If you bring your own paddle board, it won’t cost you a cent, but if you need to rent one, it’s only $15 an hour. Every time I go, I feel invigorated and restored.”
4. The Nature and Science Center
“The Nature and Science Center in Austin is my go-to spot for a fun, free day out. Its winding trails are full of wildlife, plus my kids love the dino dig exhibit. It’s the ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family,” says Planningaway.com.
5. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in
“Experience a piece of American nostalgia at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in in Austin, TX,” shares Manifesting Travel. “This unique drive-in is set up on a downtown rooftop, affording stunning skyline views to accompany the latest movie features. Perfect for a romantic night out, visitors can bring a picnic basket, watch the sunset and even make out in true drive-in fashion.”
6. 6th Street in Austin
“Spending time in Austin on 6th Street is one of the best and most affordable activities. With its array of bars, games, and live music, it’s a great spot to hang out,” suggest Chelsea Marrs. “Plus, the street is closed to cars, giving people the opportunity to walk around and have a blast.”
7. South By Southwest Festival
“Each year, Austin is home to the massive ten-day South By Southwest festival, a celebration of the arts. What many people may not be aware of is that it is possible to earn free badges to SXSW,” shares Cha Ching Queen.
8. Kid-friendly activities in Austin
“If you’re looking for ways to have fun for free in Austin, you’re in luck,” shares Austin Fun For Kids. “The Austin Nature & Science Center is great for outdoor activities like digging for dinosaur bones. Indoor activities include the Thinkery, which is free from 3-5 p.m. on community Sundays, the playscape at Living Spaces Furniture Store in Pflugerville (just remember to bring your own socks), the Central Public Library, and the Bullock Museum, which is free on the first Sunday of each month.”
Methodology: Affordability based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Austin and under a 45 minute drive from downtown Austin. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center October 2021. Average rental data from Rent.com May 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau
Explore more Austin articles:
Hidden Gems in Austin: Locals Reveal the City’s Most Underrated Spots
The Cheapest Cities Near Austin
United States
Canada