South Austin vs. East Austin: Rent Comparison

Looking to rent in Austin? Here’s the quick breakdown:

• South Austin: Cheaper, laid-back vibe, average 1-bedroom rent $1,466
• East Austin: Pricier, trendy scene, average 1-bedroom rent $2,280

Key differences:

1. Cost: South Austin is more budget-friendly
2. Lifestyle: South = chill, East = hip
3. Commute: East Austin closer to downtown
4. Outdoor: South wins with Zilker Park nearby
5. Food: East Austin is a foodie paradise
6. Growth: East Austin developing faster, but rent rising too

Quick Comparison:

Factor	South Austin	East Austin
Avg. 1-Bed Rent	$1,466	$2,280
Vibe	Relaxed	Trendy
Best For	Nature lovers, families	Young pros, foodies
Commute	Longer	Shorter

Choose South for affordability and laid-back living. Pick East for urban energy and proximity to downtown. Both offer unique Austin experiences, so consider your budget and lifestyle when deciding.

Related video from YouTube

Current Rental Market

Austin’s rental scene is changing fast, especially in South and East Austin. Let’s look at what’s happening with rent prices and availability.

Price Changes

Rent in Austin? It’s dropping. Big time.

Austin’s seen the biggest rent drop of any U.S. city – over 14% in just a year. Here’s the scoop:

• Median rent (all types): $2,061
• Drop from last year: $214
• Average apartment rent: $1,703

In May 2024:

• 0-2 bedroom average: $1,400
• 2-bedroom: $1,900
• 1-bedroom: $1,600
• Studio: $1,400+

That’s a 9.3% drop from last year. Good news for renters who’ve been feeling the squeeze.

Vacancy Rates

More empty apartments in Austin? You bet. Here’s what’s up:

• Overall vacancy: Up from 5% in 2022 to 8% now
• October 2024 projection: 9.45% (up from 6.12% in September 2022)

But it’s not the same everywhere:

Area	Vacancy Rate
Central Business District	25%
Northwest	23%
Domain	22.5%
Southwest	22.9%

More vacancies mean more choices for renters. Maybe even room to haggle on your lease.

Why the change? Austin’s job market is booming, and there are tons of new places to rent. The city was #1 in the U.S. last year for new housing permits.

Jon Leckie from Rent says: “Prices [in Austin] have really been steadily on the decline since May of 2022.”

Thinking about South or East Austin? Now might be your chance. More empty units and lower prices mean you’ve got options. But remember, every neighborhood’s different. Do your homework. Think about your commute, what’s nearby, and if it fits your style.

South Austin Rent Prices

South Austin’s rental market is a mixed bag. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay in this lively part of town.

Rent by Area

South Austin’s neighborhoods each have their own rental vibe. Here’s a quick look at average rents in some hot spots:

Neighborhood	Average Rent
Barton Hills	$1,879
Bouldin Creek	$1,838
South Congress (SoCo)	$1,838
South Lamar	$1,838
Travis Heights	$1,838
Zilker	$1,838
Oak Hill	$1,737

But remember, these are just averages. Your actual rent might be higher or lower depending on the size of your place and what perks it comes with.

Take South Lamar, for example. Here’s how the prices shake out:

• Studios: $1,327
• 1-bedroom: $1,466
• 2-bedroom: $2,047

Here’s some good news: South Austin’s average rent of $1,589 is actually lower than the national average of $1,739. Not too shabby, right?

What’s on Offer?

South Austin’s got a bit of everything when it comes to apartments:

Big complexes with 50+ units make up about 24% of the rentals. These often come with extras like pools and gyms.

Smaller buildings with fewer than 50 units are the most common, making up 61% of rentals. These can feel a bit more homey.

And if you’re after more space, 13% of rentals are single-family homes.

For those with champagne tastes, luxury apartments in Austin go for around $1,445 a month. Think hardwood floors, fancy appliances, and killer views.

Jon Leckie, a rental market expert, says: “Austin’s rental market is changing. Rents have dropped 4.5% in the last year, so renters are finding better deals.”

When you’re apartment hunting, keep your budget in mind. A good rule is to spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent. In Austin, that means you’d need to make about $4,803 a month (or $57,636 a year) to comfortably afford the average rent.

East Austin Rent Prices

East Austin’s rental market is on fire. Let’s break down what you’ll pay to live in this hot neighborhood.

Major Apartment Buildings

East Austin’s got a mix of fancy digs and more budget-friendly spots. Here’s the scoop on some key properties:

The Blockyard: This place is fancy with a capital F. Think high-end apartments with all the bells and whistles. No exact prices listed, but luxury spots in Austin usually go for about $1,740 a month.

Broadstone East End: Studios, one-beds, and two-beds that blend modern living with East Austin’s artsy vibe. They’ve got a pool, private cabanas, and a gym.

5400 Jain Ln: Rent here? $1,320 to $2,850. A 786 sq ft 1-bed with wood floors is $1,810. Weirdly, a smaller 722 sq ft 1-bed costs more at $1,940.

3219 Manor Rd: Prices range from $1,662 for a tiny 543 sq ft studio to $3,349 for the big units. A 1,004 sq ft 2-bed will set you back $2,682.

New Digs on the Block

East Austin’s skyline is changing fast. Check out these new spots:

The Avenir: New kid on the block with studios, one-beds, and two-beds. They’ve got a massive pool deck and an indoor basketball court. Fancy, right?

5100 Bolm Rd: Another newbie. Rent? $1,520 to $2,890 for studios up to 2-beds.

1401 Art Dilly Dr: Just opened its doors. They’ve got everything from studios to 3-beds, with rents from $1,505 to $4,050.

Here’s the kicker: East Austin’s average rent jumped from $1,696 in July 2021 to $1,817 in July 2024. But hey, it’s still cheaper than the Austin average of $2,061.

Want the nitty-gritty? Here’s what you’ll pay on average in Central East Austin:

Bedroom Type	Average Rent	Last Year Change
Studio	$1,893	37% increase
1 bedroom	$2,280	5% increase
2 bedroom	$3,583	21% increase
3 bedroom	$2,961	27% increase

Studios? They’re through the roof with a 37% jump in just one year.

But it’s not all bad news. About 30% of rentals are still in the $1,001-$1,500 range, and 39% between $1,501-$2,000. Only 31% cost more than $2,000 a month.

“East Austin’s rental market is changing fast”, says Alexander Concepcion of Taco Street Locating. “We’re seeing fancy new builds and more affordable options. There’s something for everyone in this cool area.”

Thinking about moving to East Austin? Don’t drag your feet. With its cool community, awesome food scene (hello, Arbor Food Park and Franklin Barbecue), and easy downtown access, East Austin’s popularity isn’t slowing down. Whether you want a slick studio or a big family pad, this neighborhood’s got options for all budgets and lifestyles.

sbb-itb-b58f531

South vs. East: Side by Side

Let’s compare South and East Austin’s rent costs and perks. This breakdown will help you pick the area that fits your wallet and lifestyle.

Rent Costs by Apartment Size

Here’s how the two areas compare:

Apartment Size	South Austin	East Austin
Studio	$1,327	$1,893
1-Bedroom	$1,466	$2,280
2-Bedroom	$2,047	$3,583
3-Bedroom	$1,737*	$2,961

*This is the Oak Hill average. We couldn’t find specific 3-bedroom data for other South Austin areas.

East Austin’s prices? They’ve skyrocketed. Studios jumped 37% in just one year. South Austin? It’s generally cheaper and more stable.

Features and Location Benefits

South Austin:

South Austin’s got a chill vibe. It’s a mix of old and new, home to popular spots like SoCo and South Lamar. Nature lovers, you’re in luck – Zilker Park is right there. And your wallet? It’ll thank you.

Bouldin Creek in South Austin? It’s a magnet for young professionals. Why? It’s close to everything – main roads, stores, parks. And downtown? It’s right there, minus the eye-watering price tag.

East Austin:

East Austin’s the new kid on the block. It’s trendy, close to downtown and UT Austin. Foodies, listen up – ever heard of Franklin Barbecue? But here’s the catch: higher rents. The upside? Newer amenities.

East Austin’s growing fast. That means lots of new apartment buildings with fancy perks. Take The Blockyard – it’s high-end living smack in the middle of all the action.

“East Austin’s rental market? It’s a whole new ballgame”, says Alexander Concepcion from Taco Street Locating. “We’ve got fancy new builds and more budget-friendly options. This cool area’s got something for everyone.”

So, South or East? It depends on what you want. South Austin gives you more for your money and a laid-back vibe. East Austin costs more but puts you closer to the city’s heart.

Area Features

Living in South Austin or East Austin isn’t just about finding a place to crash. It’s about diving into a whole new lifestyle. Let’s break down what makes each area tick.

Distance to Work Areas

Getting around Austin? It’s usually a breeze. Most trips in the city take about 20 minutes. But let’s talk rush hour.

Here’s the deal:

• Rush hour adds 10-15 minutes to your commute (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM, weekdays).
• Want smooth sailing? Hit the road between 9:30 AM-3 PM on weekdays, or before 8 AM and after 7 PM.

South Austin’s got a sweet spot for commutes. It’s central, so you’re closer to major work hubs. East Austin? It’s right next to downtown. Perfect if you work in the heart of the city.

Here’s a fun fact: over 42% of Austin’s workforce commutes less than 10 miles. That’s good news for both areas!

“Austin’s roads and public transport network keep commutes reasonable and traffic manageable.” – Spyglass Realty

Insider tip: Think beyond cars. Buses, bikes, or scooters can be lifesavers during rush hour.

Things to Do Nearby

South and East Austin are both hopping, but each has its own vibe.

South Austin:

It’s all about that laid-back, “old Austin” feel. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Live music everywhere. From tiny bars to big venues, there’s always a tune in the air.
• Zilker Park is the outdoor hotspot. Perfect for everything from frisbee to sunbathing.
• Food trucks, quirky cafes, and Tex-Mex that’ll make your taste buds dance.

East Austin:

This is where trendy meets historic. Check it out:

• Food heaven. Award-winning spots next to hidden gems you’ll want to keep secret.
• Art on every corner. Street murals, galleries, you name it.
• Nightlife that keeps going till the wee hours.

Let’s talk East Austin eats:

• Kemuri Tatsu-ya: Japanese meets Texas BBQ. Try the smoked octopus skewers.
• Franklin Barbecue: Yeah, there’s a line. But that brisket? Worth every minute.
• Cisco’s: Serving up breakfast legends since 1943. Get the huevos rancheros.

“East ATX has exploded in the last decade. It’s where soul, art, and diverse roots come together.” – Stirling Kelso, Author

So, what’s your flavor? South Austin keeps it weird and wonderful. East Austin mixes old-school cool with new-school trends. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Which Area Fits You

Picking between South Austin and East Austin isn’t just about your wallet. It’s about finding your vibe. Let’s break it down.

Getting Help from Local Experts

New to Austin? The rental market can be a maze. That’s where local experts come in clutch. Enter Taco Street Locating, a free apartment finding service in Austin.

Here’s what they do:

• Chat with you about what you want
• Crunch numbers and give you a spreadsheet of options
• Set up apartment tours
• Help with paperwork

Alexander Concepcion, the brains behind Taco Street Locating, puts it this way:

“We’re here to make your apartment hunt a breeze. Our team knows Austin like the back of their hand, from East Austin’s hip spots to South Austin’s chill vibes.”

Money and Lifestyle Factors

Stuck between South and East Austin? Here’s what to think about:

1. Budget

South Austin won’t break the bank. A one-bedroom there? About $1,466. In East Austin? $2,280. That’s $814 more each month. Ouch.

2. Vibe

South Austin keeps it old school. Think food trucks, live music, and Zilker Park. East Austin? It’s where the cool kids hang. Foodies and night owls, this is your spot.

3. Commute

Both areas are decent for getting around. But if you work downtown, East Austin might save you a few minutes.

4. Outdoor Fun

South Austin takes the cake here. Zilker Park and the Greenbelt are right there. But East Austin’s catching up with new green spaces.

5. Food Scene

Both areas have great eats. But East Austin? It’s a food lover’s paradise. From Franklin Barbecue to Kemuri Tatsu-ya, your taste buds will thank you.

6. Future Growth

East Austin’s blowing up. More stuff to do, but watch out for rising rents. South Austin? It’s more steady. Your rent might not jump as much.

So, what’s it gonna be? The laid-back vibes of South Austin or the trendy scene of East Austin? The choice is yours.

Conclusion

So, South Austin or East Austin? It boils down to your wallet, lifestyle, and what you’re after.

South Austin’s got that chill vibe and won’t drain your bank account. One-bedroom apartments here average $1,298. It’s perfect if you want that classic Austin feel without spending a fortune. Plus, if you’re into outdoor stuff, Zilker Park is right there.

East Austin? It’s the new kid on the block. More expensive, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,825. But you’re paying for that urban, hipster lifestyle. Great food scene and nightlife included.

Keep in mind, Austin’s rental market is always changing. In 2020, average rents dipped 3% to about $1,390. But with 168 new folks moving to Austin every day, prices might go up again.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Factor	South Austin	East Austin
Avg. 1-Bedroom Rent	$1,298	$1,825
Vibe	Chill, suburban	Hip, urban
Best For	Nature buffs, families	Young pros, foodies
Commute to Downtown	Longer	Shorter

Both areas have their good points. South Austin gives you more for your money in a relaxed setting. East Austin offers a lively atmosphere if you’re okay with the higher price tag.

Alexander Concepcion from Taco Street Locating says:

“We’re here to make your apartment hunt easy. Our team knows Austin inside out, from East Austin’s cool spots to South Austin’s laid-back areas.”

Whether you go for South Austin’s affordable charm or East Austin’s buzzing energy, you’re in for a true Austin experience. Happy hunting!