Why Austin, TX changes your FIRE math
Austin tends to attract high-income workers who still want a lower-cost path than coastal tech hubs.
Housing and lifestyle inflation can quietly erase the Texas-tax advantage if your spending rises with income.
Texas has no state income tax, which means take-home pay can convert into invested savings faster than in high-tax states.
Local tax context
Texas — no state income tax
Compared with a $52,000/year US baseline
$2,300 higher
25x rule implication
Every $1,000/year you cut lowers the target by $25,000.