Right now, the cheapest neighborhoods in Austin are Georgian Acres ($1,025/month), Windsor Hills ($1,095/month), and St. Johns ($1,101/month). These three neighborhoods have median rents that are 40-44% below the Austin citywide average of $1,822.
Austin’s reputation of late is that of an expensive, fast-growing tech city, with a lively and musical nightlife that draws young professionals in droves to its trendy neighborhoods. However, there are still pockets of the city where renters can trade a little walkability or centrality for meaningful savings, without having to leave Austin entirely.
Most affordable neighborhoods in Austin at a glance
These twelve Austin neighborhoods below are the areas in the city with the lowest median rents based on Zumper’s internal analysis. Prices reflect all bedroom counts and rental types, averaged over a 30-day period.
| Neighborhood | Median Rent | Savings vs City | % Below City Median |
| Georgian Acres | $1,025 | $797 | 43.7% |
| Windsor Hills | $1,095 | $727 | 39.9% |
| St. Johns | $1,101 | $721 | 39.6% |
| Parker Lane | $1,123 | $699 | 38.4% |
| North Austin | $1,125 | $697 | 38.3% |
| South Manchaca | $1,134 | $688 | 37.8% |
| North Lamar | $1,199.5 | $622.5 | 34.2% |
| Coronado Hills | $1,247 | $575 | 31.6% |
| North University | $1,282.5 | $539.5 | 29.6% |
| Franklin Park | $1,295 | $527 | 28.9% |
| Heritage Hills | $1,324 | $498 | 27.3% |
| St. Edwards | $1,326.5 | $495.5 | 27.2% |
Austin rental affordability, in context
Housing experts generally recommend following the 30% rule, which says that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. That works out to about $65,600 per year in income to comfortably afford Austin‘s median rent of $1,822.
The most recent Census data paints a mixed picture: While the median household income in Austin is roughly $93,000. On paper, using the 30% guideline, this suggests many Austin residents can comfortably afford Austin’s median rent. However, many renters earn below these median figures, and many rents are more expensive than the median, making the neighborhoods listed here particularly valuable for those seeking housing within their budget.
Top 12 cheapest Austin neighborhoods
1. Georgian Acres
Georgian Acres is currently the cheapest neighborhood in Austin, with a median rent of $1,025 per month. That’s about 44% below the city median. It’s not flashy, and it’s not walkable in the classic Austin sense, but it consistently shows up as one of the most budget-friendly options.
Most residents drive, and nearly 80% commute under 30 minutes.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters whose top priority is keeping rent as low as possible.
2. Windsor Hills
With a median rent of $1,095, Windsor Hills sits firmly in “good value” territory. The neighborhood has a suburban feel, with mature trees and winding residential streets. Highway access via I-35 and Route 183 makes getting around easier than you might expect.
Transit access: 2/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters who want a quieter environment and predictable commutes.
3. St. Johns
St. Johns comes in at $1,101 per month and tends to attract renters who want Austin character without central Austin pricing. The area has a social, neighborhood-oriented feel, and commute times are relatively manageable.
Transit access: 5/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who care about community vibe more than polish.
4. Parker Lane
Parker Lane’s median rent of $1,123 makes it one of the more affordable pockets in southeast Austin. It’s largely residential and car-oriented, but many renters like the laid-back, social feel of the area.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who want savings and a low-key neighborhood atmosphere.
5. North Austin
North Austin covers a broad area, but median rents hover around $1,125. Its biggest draw is convenience: access to the Domain, Burnet Road, and major employers without downtown pricing.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 7/10
Best for: Renters who want affordability without feeling cut off from shopping and dining.
6. South Manchaca
At $1,134 per month, South Manchaca offers solid value in southwest Austin. The area is popular with pet owners and renters who spend time outdoors. Commutes tend to be reasonable, even if errands usually require a car.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who prioritize space, pets, and neighborhood feel.
7. North Lamar
North Lamar‘’s median rent of $1,199.50 is still well below the city median. The area blends residential blocks with restaurants, shops, and parks, creating a livelier feel than many budget-friendly neighborhoods.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who want energy and amenities without central Austin rents.
8. Coronado Hills
Rents in Coronado Hills average about $1,247. Its central location near multiple highways makes it surprisingly convenient, even though the neighborhood itself is quiet and residential.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who want central access without dense city living.
9. North University
North University is one of the few neighborhoods on this list where walkability is a real selling point. At $1,282.50 per month, it’s still about 30% below the city median, with extremely short commutes for most residents.
Transit access: 7/10 | Walkability: 9/10
Best for: Students and renters who want to live close to daily destinations.
10. Franklin Park
Franklin Park’s median rent of $1,295 appeals to renters who don’t mind longer commutes in exchange for quieter streets and nearby green space. Proximity to parks and outdoor areas is a major draw.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 5/10
Best for: Renters willing to trade time for space and nature access.
11. Heritage Hills
At $1,324, Heritage Hills sits near the upper end of affordability on this list. It has an active, community-oriented feel, and commute times are generally reasonable.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who want affordability with a social neighborhood dynamic.
12. St. Edwards
St. Edwards rounds out the list at $1,326.50 per month. Its proximity to the university makes it practical for students and staff, but it also works for renters who want south Austin access without premium pricing.
Transit access: 4/10 | Walkability: 6/10
Best for: Renters who value location over luxury.
Are Austin’s affordable neighborhoods for you?
Affordable rentals in Austin still exist, but they usually come with tradeoffs. In many of these neighborhoods, transit scores are low and walkability is average, so commute times might be longer.
That said, the savings are real. Choosing a $1,025 apartment instead of a median-priced one can save nearly $10,000 per year. For many renters, that difference outweighs the downsides.
To determine what you can afford in Austin, use Zumper’s rent calculator, which creates a personalized rent budget based on your income and expenses, and recommends apartments within your price range.
Frequently asked questions about Austin’s cheapest neighborhoods
What is the cheapest neighborhood in Austin?
Georgian Acres is currently the cheapest neighborhood, with a median rent of $1,025 per month.
Where is rent cheapest in Austin?
Lower rents are most common in North and East Austin neighborhoods like Georgian Acres, Windsor Hills, and St. Johns.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Austin?
Georgian Acres, Windsor Hills, St. Johns, Parker Lane, North Austin, South Manchaca, North Lamar, Coronado Hills, North University, Franklin Park, Heritage Hills, and St. Edwards.
What neighborhoods in Austin are under $1,200?
Seven neighborhoods fall under $1,200: Georgian Acres, Windsor Hills, St. Johns, Parker Lane, North Austin, South Manchaca, and North Lamar.
Are there affordable Austin neighborhoods with good walkability?
North University offers the strongest walkability while remaining well below the city median rent.
Why aren’t some neighborhoods included?
Some areas lack enough consistent listings to calculate reliable medians or fall outside Austin city limits.
Zumper analyses rental data on a rolling basis. For the most up-to-date market trends, visit our Austin rent research analysis.
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