Comparing Austin, Texas, and Reno, Nevada, presents an interesting blend of culture, economy, and living conditions that vary based on a variety of factors. These include differences in crime rates, weather conditions, cost of living, employment sectors, education, and healthcare. Both cities offer unique opportunities and challenges for residents and tourists alike.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Reno, NV : 1,398.5 miles
Austin's population is larger by 259%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Reno has grown by 88,371 people (49.0%) during that time.
Like many urban areas, both Austin and Reno have their share of crime. FBI statistics indicate that Austin has a lower crime rate than Reno. While both cities have crime rates higher than the national average, Austin’s lower rate may make some feel more comfortably safe. Security measures in both cities are being constantly improved to ensure safety and security for residents and tourists.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,398 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 1,265 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 678 to 1; the ratio in Reno is 194 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Austin than in Reno.
Cost of Living
Austin, fueled by a booming economy and growing population, has a higher cost of living compared to Reno. For instance, housing and groceries are more expensive in Austin. However, the average income in Austin is also higher, which may help offset some of the cost differences.
Income Tax
Neither Texas nor Nevada have a state income tax, providing a financial bonus for residents of Austin and Reno. This can contribute to a lower overall cost of living despite other factors.
Property Tax
Austin's property tax rate is notably higher than Reno's. As of 2020, Austin's rate was around 1.8%, while Reno's was lower at around 0.92%. Homeowners in both cities need to factor in these rates when considering real estate purchases.
Sales Tax
Texas has a state sales tax of 6.25%, which can be supplemented by up to 2% city sales tax. Austin residents thus pay a total sales tax of 8.25%. Nevada’s state sales tax is higher at 6.85%, but Reno’s city tax is just 1.15%, leading to a total sales tax of 8.27%.
Income
Type
Austin
Reno
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$67,478
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$37,989
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
99.5
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $51,608 in Reno to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in the heartland of Texas, offering hill country landscapes and access to several lakes. Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking and skiing, and is near Lake Tahoe.
Both Austin and Reno offer strong public and private education systems. Austin is home to the University of Texas, creating a robust college town environment, and the area in general has a higher level of education among residents. Reno’s schools are part of Washoe County School District, which is notable for its educational initiatives. The University of Nevada, Reno, also offers quality higher education.
Austin boasts a rapidly growing economy with flourishing tech and music industries. A large number of tech companies like Dell and IBM are located here. Reno’s economy is traditionally tied to tourism and gaming, but has diversified in recent years with tech companies like Tesla and Switch setting up operations.
Biggest Employers
Austin’s largest employers include the State of Texas, the University of Texas, Dell, and the City of Austin. In Reno, the biggest employers include Washoe County School District, the University of Nevada, Reno, and several casinos and resorts, as well as Tesla.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 1,414 building permits issued in Reno in 2012 (1095 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Reno (Washoe County), 50.8% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
2020
71.7%
50.8%
26.5%
46.3%
1.8%
2.9%
2016
65.8%
46.4%
27.2%
45.1%
7.0%
8.5%
2012
60.2%
50.8%
36.2%
47.1%
3.6%
2.1%
2008
63.8%
55.2%
34.4%
42.6%
1.8%
2.1%
2004
56.1%
47.2%
42.1%
51.4%
1.8%
1.4%
2000
41.7%
42.7%
47.0%
52.1%
11.3%
5.3%
1996
52.4%
21.0%
40.0%
72.1%
7.7%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
14.4%
4.5%
6.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
1.1%
22.8%
12.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.4%
2.8%
3.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.1%
0.7%
0.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.3%
2.5%
1.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.4%
2.1%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.9%
Weather
Austin and Reno have distinctly different weather patterns. Austin is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. Reno, on the other hand, experiences a cool desert climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Those who prefer a warmer year-round climate might lean towards Austin, while those who enjoy a bit of snow or cooler temperatures might prefer Reno.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Reno
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
51.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
51.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
57%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
75%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
18%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
8.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
45 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
26.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
88.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
30%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
65%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Reno, Nevada
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
Reno
Austin
Reno
Austin
Reno
2018
76
80
N/A
0.22
4.9
12.8
26.7
31.6
20.3
N/A
8.7
8.2
0.2
0.2
2017
76
87
N/A
0.22
4.6
12.9
29.7
31.7
19.0
N/A
8.3
7.5
0.3
0.3
2016
71
77
N/A
0.20
4.2
12.7
29.5
31.9
17.8
N/A
8.2
6.7
0.2
0.2
2015
78
90
N/A
0.21
4.4
14.1
28.9
30.8
18.5
N/A
8.6
7.8
0.3
0.4
2014
74
130
N/A
0.22
5.2
13.7
28.3
31.7
21.8
N/A
8.7
7.8
0.5
0.4
2013
78
166
0.09
0.27
5.5
16.0
29.5
29.4
27.0
N/A
8.6
10.8
0.5
0.5
2012
86
121
0.13
0.27
5.5
14.1
30.1
32.7
18.1
N/A
8.6
6.2
N/A
0.4
2011
83
76
0.11
0.27
2.6
16.7
33.0
29.5
N/A
N/A
9.1
6.8
N/A
0.5
2010
77
73
0.05
0.23
3.2
16.3
29.4
31.4
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009
76
68
0.05
0.32
2.6
17.4
29.7
28.5
N/A
N/A
9.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008
81
81
0.12
0.27
3.2
17.9
30.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007
82
85
0.12
0.34
3.1
18.9
27.1
28.0
N/A
N/A
9.8
11.2
N/A
N/A
2006
89
88
0.14
0.38
3.8
19.3
31.3
29.0
29.3
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.2
N/A
2005
92
76
0.15
0.45
4.4
18.0
29.0
27.2
30.1
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.2
N/A
2004
74
76
0.16
0.38
3.3
N/A
26.8
27.2
33.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
85
69
0.26
0.44
4.2
N/A
28.9
27.5
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
N/A
2002
83
77
0.33
0.53
3.9
N/A
27.2
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
83
68
0.31
0.77
4.2
7.4
25.5
25.5
16.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
86
66
0.28
0.75
4.7
7.9
27.8
24.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Reno
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
2.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
6,879.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
28%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transit systems and are investing in infrastructure to improve commuting. Austin has a bigger traffic problem due to rapid growth, but counteracts with a decent bus system and rail service. Reno has a smaller population, and thus typically less congestion, served by the efficient RTC Ride bus system.
Transport
Type
Austin
Reno
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
911
758
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
16
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Reno
Bicycle
0.8%
0.1%
Bus
1.5%
1.8%
Carpooled
7.9%
10.2%
Car alone
85.9%
81.6%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2%
1.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Reno
Average
29.9 min
24.2 min
Other means
22.7 min
18.6 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
36.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Reno
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
10.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Austin's booming population has driven up real estate prices in recent years. Across all housing types, the median home price in Austin exceeds Reno’s. In contrast, real estate in Reno, while still rising, is typically more affordable.
Neighborhoods
Both Austin and Reno offer a variety of neighborhoods for different lifestyles. Austin has a mix of hip, urban areas and family-friendly suburbs. Neighborhoods in Reno range from bustling downtown locales to quieter, suburban areas.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Reno
Houses
469,156
116,918
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.4
Median year apartment built
1997
1984
Median year house/condo built
1988
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
10.5 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
110,993 (94.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
54,158 (48.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
56,835 (51.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,306
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,307
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$797,037
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$469,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$560,745
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$273,291
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$239,159
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$115,836
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$364,237
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$513,401
Median house age
28
33
Renting percentage
54.9%
52%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
1,691.7
House value disparities
28.4%
27.4%
Household income disparities
44.8%
44.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$114,336
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$64,370
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
616 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
1,679 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
35,814 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
129 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
1,980 (5.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
2.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Reno
One, detached
43.1%
51.5%
One, attached
5.2%
5.7%
Two
2.4%
1.1%
3 or 4
4.1%
5.0%
5 to 9
7.2%
9.7%
10 to 19
11.0%
9.2%
20 to 49
8.9%
5.7%
50 or more
17.2%
8.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
3.7%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
5,944
State government workers
46,229
7,119
Unpaid family workers
102
127
Industries and Occupations
In Austin, high-tech, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries are common, as is employment in state government. Austin is known as the "Silicon Hills" due to the high concentration of tech companies. Reno’s major industries include gaming and hospitality, although logistics, data centers, and tech also play a significant role with big names like Tesla and Panasonic in the area.
Austin has a wide selection of healthcare services with many hospitals and clinics, including Dell Seton Medical Center and St. David's Medical Center. Reno offers high-quality healthcare as well, with Renown Regional Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center being notable providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Reno
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Austin and Reno have seen significant infrastructure growth. Austin’s skyline has been transformed by new construction, and the city has invested heavily in transportation and utilities infrastructure. Reno has also seen a surge in construction, particularly in downtown, and is making efforts to improve transportation infrastructure to accommodate a growing population.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Reno
Hospitals
65
11
TV stations
20
15
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
264
60
Bank institutions located here
43
11
Main business address for public companies
44
12
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
20
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Reno
1999
4,733
668
2000
2,950
565
2001
2,038
362
2002
1,772
305
2003
2,213
478
2004
2,458
725
2005
3,121
944
2006
3,367
1,006
2007
2,560
572
2008
1,747
220
2009
1,067
123
Culture and Food
Austin, proclaimed as the "Live Music Capital of the World," offers a buzzing culture filled with music festivals, food trucks, and a vibrant art scene. Reno, the "Biggest Little City in the World," offers a cultural blend of vibrant arts, a downtown riverwalk, and a burgeoning food scene itself, along with its famed casinos.
Sports Teams
If sports is a deciding factor, Austin is home to the University of Texas Longhorns and Austin FC, a professional soccer team. Reno houses minor league teams like the Reno Aces (baseball) and Reno 1868 FC (soccer), and is just a short drive away from all the major professional sports teams in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Austin, TX
Reno, NV
