Find tacos, live music and luxury living at an affordable rate in this booming Texan city
From its legendary live music scene to the Texas heat, the Lone Star State’s capital city is both literally and figuratively a hot place to live right now. This rapidly growing city attracts newcomers with its vibrant arts scene, diverse dining, outdoor access and booming tech sector. When even tech heavy-hitters like Tesla are making moves to set up shop in Austin, you know the city is on the cusp, or even over the cusp, of being one of the best places to live and work in the United States.
With all that growth and development, you can be forgiven for thinking that the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. But that’s actually not the case.
Most cost of living categories, like food and transportation, have decreased over the past two years. While housing costs have gone up by almost 2 percent and are the most costly monthly expense, they’re actually a steal compared to other major tech hubs. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle costs $2,257.
In Austin, the average cost for a one-bedroom is $1,533. Since this price is low compared to many major U.S. cities, your monthly rent can go much further here. With a monthly budget of $2,000, you can truly live it up in spacious luxury apartments that come with top-of-the-line amenities like pools and gyms.
If that sounds like your style, here are 10 places you can live large in Austin for around $2,000 a month.
What is the average price of rent in Austin?
As mentioned above, housing is the most expensive part of living in Austin. But while it might be pricey by local standards, you’re saving a fortune compared to other major metro areas.
Living in Austin, a studio apartment will cost you around $944 a month. For a one-bedroom, the average cost jumps to $1,533 a month. For a spacious two-bedroom, expect to shell out around $1,835 a month. The average cost for studios and one-bedrooms has actually gone down over the past year by 39 percent and 2 percent respectively. The cost for a two-bedroom has only gone up by 1 percent.
Many long-term locals have been very vocal about rising housing costs, which is something to be aware of if you’re interested in moving to Austin. Prices could go up in the near future as Austin continues to grow. But if you’re looking for a break from rental costs in other major cities, Austin will be a breath of fresh air. Plus, your monthly rental budget is likely to go much further here from bigger units to nicer amenities.
10 places to live in Austin for $2,000
Outdoor swimming pools that feel like an oasis in the desert. Gyms that are fully stocked with top-of-the-line equipment. Sky-high rooftops with stellar views for fun hangs. Giant apartments with modern appliances and plenty of storage. These are just some of the perks that come with living at these 10 spots around Austin, where you can find a unit for around $2,000.
1. Ascent North
Image Source: Rent. / Ascent North
Live within walking distance of nature trails, scenic greenbelts and more at Ascent North. Located northeast of downtown Austin, this stylish complex offers a range of two-bedroom units in the $2,000 range. One example, starting at $1,930 a month, spans 1,150 square feet and comes with an outdoor patio, walk-in closet and washer and dryer connections.
The rest of the complex is stocked with top-tier amenities, including a dog park, swimming pools and fitness center. In the sumptuous community clubhouse, residents can hang out to work or catch up with neighbors as well.
2. Gables At The Terrace
Image Source: Rent. / Gables at the Terrace
From outdoor access to being 15 minutes from the downtown area, the Gables at the Terrace keeps residents close to the best that Austin has to offer. The Barton Creek Wilderness Park offers hiking trails, swimming spots and climbing areas. But just 15 minutes away on the other side of the Colorado River, the downtown area has everything from dining to entertainment. Even if you don’t want to cross the river, the nearby Barton Hills neighborhood buzzes with eateries, dance halls and cool local landmarks.
For access to all this and more, you can rent a 1,094-square-foot two-bedroom unit starting at $1,996 a month. Along with top in-unit amenities like a walk-in closet and a patio or balcony, the complex has a lovely outdoor swimming area and fitness center.
3. Gables Central Park
Image Source: Rent. / Gables Central Park
Situated north of downtown in the Heritage neighborhood, Gables Central Park offers one-bedroom rentals starting at $2,067 a month. Covering 678 square feet, the unit comes with a balcony or patio, an in-unit washer and dryer and a spacious walk-in closet. If going over $2,000 isn’t feasible, they also have models starting at $1,867 a month. Some units are even available furnished.
With transitional interior design incorporating both classic and contemporary style, Gables Central Park is an attractive community for families, young adults and more. Residents have access to a swimming pool, fitness center and community clubhouse. The surrounding neighborhood also has breweries, restaurants, gourmet grocery stores, vintage clothing boutiques and live music spaces. With several top hospitals just steps away as well, renters with medical conditions may find the proximity to near-instant medical care a benefit to living here as well.
4. Camden Rainey Street
Image Source: Rent. / Camden Rainey Street
Covering 811 square feet and coming with a balcony and in-unit washer and dryer, you can rent a modern, one-bedroom unit for $1,999 at Camden Rainey Street. Along with contemporary interior design and top-of-the-line appliances, each unit is also pet-friendly. Camden allows up to three pets per unit, making it a great option for pet lovers with a big, furry family.
Camden Rainey Street also comes with plenty of other top amenities. There’s a rooftop swimming pool with enviable views toward downtown Austin, as well as a fitness center, media lounge and clubroom. The complex’s prime location is another bonus. Situated in the central Rainey Street Historic District, residents live within walking distance of the lush parks and walking paths along the Colorado River. Just steps from your front door, you’ll also find breweries, trendy eateries and food trucks, hip bars and fun boutiques and shops.
5. Bridge at Steiner Ranch
Image Source: Rent. / Bridge at Steiner Ranch
Starting at $1,975 a month, you can rent a 1,084-square-foot two-bedroom at the Bridge at Steiner Ranch. With a designated bathroom for each bedroom, the unit comes with an in-unit washer and dryer, private patio area and walk-in closets.
With soaring roofs and stone accents, the rest of the complex feels like a grand country club. Residents can swim or unwind by the outdoor pool, escape the Texas heat in the stylish clubhouse or break a sweat in the fitness center. Other amenities include a charging station for electric cars and a virtual indoor golf lounge. Along with all the amenities in the complex, the Bridge at Steiner Ranch will be a great place to live for families and young adults who love spending time outdoors. Located northwest of the city center, residents can go hiking at River Place or enjoy water sports on Lake Travis.
6. Bridge at Monarch Bluffs
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Under sunny Texas skies, take a dip in the outdoor pool, grill up a barbecue or play with your pooch at the dog park at Bridge at Monarch Bluffs. Along with these amenities, this well-appointed complex also comes with a fitness center, community clubhouse, frisbee golf course and even a car wash station. Outside the gates of this secure complex, the surrounding neighborhood has ramen restaurants, taquerias and the sprawling Southpark Meadows shopping center. Downtown Austin is also just a half-hour drive northeast.
With a wide range of units and price options, you can rent a 939-square-foot two-bedroom for $1,970. Complete with two bathrooms, the unit comes with a kitchen island, dishwasher and ample storage. Select units also come with access to a tandem garage.
7. Bellrock La Frontera
Image Source: Rent. /Bellrock La Frontera
The sophisticated and sleek Bellrock La Frontera complex exudes SoCal vibes with its sunny outdoor pool overlooked by stately palms. For $1,850 a month, you can set up shop in one of their one-bedroom units. Covering 786 square feet, you’ll get a large living area and kitchen, breezy outdoor patio and in-unit amenities like washer and dryer. All units also feature polished and minimalist contemporary design touches like neutral colorways and stainless steel appliances.
Ready for sunning and swimming, the outdoor pool is definitely one of Bellrock’s best community amenities. But it also has a clubhouse, a fitness studio and catering kitchen. Bellrock is also pet-friendly, with its own private dog park. Located roughly half an hour from downtown Austin, Bellrock’s luxe units and amenities at reasonable rates appeal to young professionals looking for affordable housing close to the city center. With the Crossing Point Shopping Center close by, residents also have access to shopping and dining.
8. Austin City Lights
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Located in the South Congress neighborhood, the Austin City Lights complex blends elegant, Old World style and design with attractive modern amenities. Residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to on-site amenities. Go for a dip in the outdoor pool, get in a yoga session in the yoga studio, hang out with your neighbors in the club room or play with your four-legged best friend at the pet park. But that’s not all. Austin City Lights also has luxury perks like valet trash service, a business center, fitness area and Internet cafe.
All this and more comes with renting one of Austin City Lights’ two-bedroom units. Starting around $1,844 and going up to $2,150 a month, these 1,195+ square foot units come with great in-unit amenities as well like dishwashers and stunning hardwood floors. Although the complex itself has plenty of diversions, the surrounding neighborhood as plenty to offer as well. The Wilson Creek Greenbelt is a short walk away for access to nature, plus nearby shopping centers with everything from grocery stores to popular chain restaurants.
9. Lantana Ridge
Image Source: Rent. / Lantana Ridge
If you’re looking for a luxury three-bedroom unit on a budget of $2,000 a month, you’ll want to look at Lantana Ridge. Located west of downtown Austin around the Oak Hill area, residents at this sprawling, lush complex can rent spacious, 1,269-square-foot three-bedroom units going from $1,883 to $1,953. Walk-in closets in each bedroom, two bathrooms, in-unit washer and dryer and a patio or balcony are just some of the amenities that come with these units.
But the stylish units are just the start of everything Lantana Ridge has to offer. The complex also comes with a fitness center, a dog park, access to hiking and biking trails and a business center. But the stand-out feature is undoubtedly the community swimming pool. Surrounded by verdant trees and rustic stone walls, the large swimming pool area has plenty of space for everyone to swim and surf. Plus, grilling areas for summer barbecues are just steps away.
10. The Pearl
Image Source: Rent. / The Pearl
A rooftop swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center and valet trash service are just some of the perks of living at the splashy, modern Pearl complex. Starting at $1,991 a month, you can rent a lovely 777-square foot one-bed and one-bath.
Decked out in Italian marble accents and hardwood floors, this chic, spacious unit includes stainless steel appliances like a dishwasher, in-unit washer and dryer and a patio or balcony depending on your location in the complex. Other similarly-sized apartments are also available in the same price range.
Located in the Brentwood neighborhood, the Pearl is roughly a 15-minute drive north of downtown Austin. A peaceful and prosperous suburban area, residents have access to everything from groceries at HEB to delicious barbecue at Stiles Switch BBQ.
With several schools throughout the neighborhood, the area is a great fit for families. But the presence of great dining, coffee houses and easy shopping for necessities like groceries can also appeal to young professionals wanting to live close but not in the city center. Residents can also enjoy the great outdoors at neighborhood green areas like Brentwood Neighborhood Park or the nearby Bright Leaf Reserve.
Find your dream $2,000 Austin apartment
Whether you’re looking for plenty of space or opulent amenities, Austin apartments can deliver for just $2,000. Plus, with that price tag, you get access to everything Austin is known for from amazing live music to tasty tacos.
With different filters and tools to help you hone your search, use Rent.com to research and find the best Austin apartment for you and see what rental options are available in the City of the Violet Crown.
