Not everyone can afford Austin’s rising housing costs. If you’re a traveling healthcare worker, a contractor on a short-term job, or simply someone looking for a safe, affordable long-term stay, there are still good options for cheap accommodations in Austin, Texas. This guide explores some of the best choices for cheap accommodation in Austin, Texas
5 Great Cheap Accommodations in Austin, TX
Whether you are looking to move to Austin long-term or you have a short-term assignment in the area, these five options for cheap housing in Austin are a great place to start your search.
1. RV Parks
Long-term RV living is a great way to afford living in some of the country’s more expensive locations. Monthly rates at Austin RV Park start at only $875. Long-term discounts are available, making it one of the most affordable housing options in the city. Plus, it is conveniently located close to downtown medical centers, making it a great choice for traveling healthcare workers.
Austin RV Park offers affordable long-term rates for residents. The gated community has awesome amenities that make it feel like home, including mailboxes, on-site storage, and a full laundry room. Long-term guests undergo screening for increased resident safety.
2. Apartment Buildings
If you don’t have an RV, or if you prefer not to have any home maintenance, one of Austin’s many apartment buildings could be a good fit.
Student housing is available for students enrolled in any of the city’s universities. This tends to be more affordable than many other types of apartments, with flexible plans and roommate-matching services.
3. Subsidized Housing
Over 19,000 Austin residents received housing assistance from the city each day. The Housing Authority of the City of Austin maintains 19 separate waiting lists for:
- Housing Choice Voucher program (formerly Section 8): Helps cover rent costs for private apartments.
- Individual public housing properties: Apartment complexes owned by the city with reduced rent.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: Apartments that offer reduced rent for qualifying tenants.
- Project-Based Rental Assistance
These programs are designed to help residents find cheap lodging in Austin, TX, while maintaining their independence and dignity. Rental rates are based on income levels and household size.
4. New Construction
Believe it or not, new housing communities can be a great place to find cheap accommodation in Austin. Some builders designate a set portion of all houses for low-income residents, helping to build diverse communities throughout the city.
If you are interested in affordable housing within an established community, check out Mueller. Located near the airport, this planned community has homes, apartments, businesses, and activities. It is commuter and pedestrian-friendly, and thanks to the Mueller Foundation, 25% of all new construction is designated for affordable housing.
5. Long-Term Hotels
Although this is usually not the cheapest accommodation choice, but it can be a good one for temporary residents, such as traveling nurses or construction workers. Long-term hotels are fully furnished and have dedicated cooking and living spaces in the rooms. Some offer grills, outdoor areas, and pools.
There are limited screening processes for tenants in long-term hotels, and some may feel unsafe. Whenever possible, check out a potential hotel in person before booking a cheap extended stay in Austin.
What Is the Cheapest Accommodation Option in Austin?
If you can get into subsidized housing, that may be your cheapest option. However, the city has a waiting list that makes this more complicated than you might imagine. Some families may wait a year or longer to get into an affordable home in Austin.
For that reason, it may be worth considering other options. There are some great RV parks throughout the city that offer affordable space rent. This is a good choice if you have an RV or can afford to rent or purchase one.
Where Is the Best Place To Find Cheap Housing in Austin?
Government offices and local nonprofits can help you find affordable housing in Austin and the surrounding suburbs. The city’s Affordable Housing Online Search Tool can match you with available properties based on your income and household size. AHOST is an invaluable resource for people who may qualify for subsidized housing.
HousingWorks Auston is a nonprofit that works with other providers to advocate for more affordable housing options within the city. It also has many resources for people seeking cheap accommodation in Austin, Texas.
Keep in mind that many of these resources cannot help with emergency or temporary housing. If you have an RV, consider exploring one of the area’s parks. Some of the nicest RV parks in Texas are located in and around Austin, and many offer discounts for long-term stays.
Why Would Someone Look for Cheap Accommodation in Austin?
Families and individuals have many different reasons for seeking affordable housing in Austin. Among the most prominent is the high cost of housing in the city.
Recent increases in housing prices have made the city one of the most expensive in Texas. In fact, Best Places lists it as over 41% more expensive than the average. This makes it difficult for both long-time residents and newcomers to find a place they can comfortably afford.
Austin is a hub for remote and temporary workers. Many people come to the area for short-term assignments in technology, construction, and healthcare. If you are planning to stay in the city for six months or a year and will be mainly focusing on work, you probably won’t want to invest in a prime location. Luckily, Austin has several short-term housing options, and some of them are quite affordable.
Another reason to find cheap accommodation in Austin is to save money. Many families choose to stay in affordable housing for the short term while they save to find a more permanent home. The city’s RV parks and apartments are excellent ways to do this.
Short-term situations can also require people to seek cheap housing in Austin. For example, you may need to change your living situation after an illness, job layoffs, or losing a home.
Austin RV Offers Cheap Accommodation in Austin, Texas
Austin RV Park provides one of the most affordable stays in Austin, whether for a few days or several months. The park is conveniently located near downtown and features Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and clean restrooms, making it an excellent choice for cheap accommodation in Austin, Texas. Unlike subsidized housing, there’s no long waitlist, no income restrictions, and no apartment-style leases. Contact us today to learn more about current rates and availability.