Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 67.0% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $5024 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $210,291.262 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Seattle, WA is 161.3% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

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

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $5024 more per month than Austin, TX, or $60291 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.0K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $210.3K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 67.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$5,024

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$60.3K

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:167

Median Home:$808K

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA

Category	Austin, TX	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,652more	161.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $615more	47.9%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$824/mo	↑ $235more	40.0%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $234more	13.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$481/mo	↓ $60.11less	11.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 161.3%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,652

🚗Transportation

↑ 47.9%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$615

🏥Healthcare

↑ 40.0%

Austin, TX

$589

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$235

📦Other

↑ 13.5%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$234

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Austin, TX

$959

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$120

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$60.11

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$2,180

↑ $595

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$2,260

↑ $575

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$2,630

↑ $635

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$3,440

↑ $915

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,796

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Seattle

$558K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 45% more expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Seattle

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

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

Seattle, 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

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.