Is Austin, TX cheaper than Auburn, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.9% cheaper than Auburn, WA. This translates to saving $518 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Auburn, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Auburn, WA, you'd need approximately $143,784.496 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Auburn, WA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 3.8% cheaper than in Auburn, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,798/month in Auburn, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Auburn, WA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Auburn, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $518 per month, or $6216 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Auburn, WA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Auburn, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Auburn, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $518/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$518

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Auburn, WA

Population:84K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$479K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$558K

Auburn, WA

The Evergreen State

84K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 84K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Auburn, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Auburn, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,859/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $575less	30.9%
🏥Healthcare	$815/mo	$589/mo	↓ $227less	27.8%
📦Other	$1,606/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $135more	8.4%
🏠Housing	$3,000/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $115less	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,068/mo	$959/mo	↓ $109less	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$476/mo	$541/mo	↑ $65.15more	13.7%

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.9%

Auburn, WA

$1,859

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$575

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.8%

Auburn, WA

$815

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$227

less

📦Other

↑ 8.4%

Auburn, WA

$1,606

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$135

🏠Housing

↓ 3.8%

Auburn, WA

$3,000

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$115

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.2%

Auburn, WA

$1,068

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$109

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Auburn, WA

$476

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$65.15

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,498

To$1,585

↑ $87.00

1 Bed

From$1,540

To$1,685

↑ $145

2 Bed

From$1,798

To$1,995

↑ $197

3 Bed

From$2,372

To$2,525

↑ $153

Auburn, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,824

Monthly in Auburn, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$826

Difference

Home Values

Auburn

Austin

$479K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +24.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$479K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 17% more expensive than Auburn

Calculate payment - Auburn Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Auburn, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Auburn, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.