AUSTIN, Texas — Renters in Austin say they are cost-burdened like Santiago Ramos, a 24-year-old who has two roommates and splits the rent with his brother and his mom.

"If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't be able to afford it," Ramos said.

Diego Aranda lives northeast of Austin and would like to move closer to Downtown Austin with his family but admits it is too costly.

"We need like at least a two bedroom. So yeah, it's definitely like the prices around. It's pretty pricey," Aranda said.

Change could be on the horizon for renters with a tax rate election happening in November. The tax rate would go up five cents for every $100 of valuation which adds up to just over $25 a month for the average homeowner or more than $300 a year.

City leaders say the increase is needed due to decli

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