Is Washington, DC cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 47.6% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $3568 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $192,815.534 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 115.3% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3568 more per month than Austin, TX, or $42816 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.6K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $192.8K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 47.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,568

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$42.8K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:148

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Washington, DC

Category	Austin, TX	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,326more	115.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $601more	46.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $83.70more	4.8%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$508/mo	↓ $32.79less	6.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 115.3%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,326

🚗Transportation

↑ 46.8%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$601

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Austin, TX

$959

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$120

📦Other

↑ 4.8%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$83.70

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Austin, TX

$589

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$43.37

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$32.79

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$2,150

↑ $565

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$2,215

↑ $530

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$2,470

↑ $475

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$3,115

↑ $590

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,142

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Washington

$558K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $11.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$929

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.