Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Austin, TX?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.1% of gross income.
Austin rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Texas state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Texas cities have lower median rent than Austin, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Austin
View full rent data for Austin, TX →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Austin, TX?
Median rent in Austin is $1,615 a month. A typical carpenter in Texas earns about $60,331 a year, which makes that rent 32.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Austin?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Texas (~$60,331/yr) supports up to $1,508 a month in rent. Austin's current median rent is $1,615/mo, which is $107/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Austin?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a carpenter in Texas works roughly 55.7 hours a month to cover Austin's median rent of $1,615.
Where is rent cheaper than Austin for a carpenter?
Nearby Texas cities with lower median rent include Cedar Hill ($1,614/mo), Euless ($1,614/mo), Hutto ($1,614/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.