Is Austin, TX cheaper than Bellevue, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 38.0% cheaper than Bellevue, WA. This translates to saving $2847 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellevue, WA, you'd need approximately $115,832.761 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 55.9% cheaper than in Bellevue, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,539/month in Bellevue, WA.

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

Moving from Bellevue, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2847 per month, or $34167 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bellevue, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Bellevue, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 38.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,847

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.2K

Per year

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

Bellevue, WA

Population:152K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.46M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$558K

Bellevue, WA

The Evergreen State

152K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 152K 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: Bellevue, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Bellevue, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,547/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,663less	55.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,833/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $549less	29.9%
🏥Healthcare	$810/mo	$589/mo	↓ $221less	27.3%
📦Other	$1,907/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $166less	8.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,060/mo	$959/mo	↓ $101less	9.5%
⚡All Utilities	$472/mo	$541/mo	↑ $68.52more	14.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 55.9%

Bellevue, WA

$6,547

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,663

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Bellevue, WA

$1,833

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$549

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.3%

Bellevue, WA

$810

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$221

less

📦Other

↓ 8.7%

Bellevue, WA

$1,907

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$166

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.5%

Bellevue, WA

$1,060

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$101

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.5%

Bellevue, WA

$472

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$68.52

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,105

To$1,585

↓ $520

1 Bed

From$2,178

To$1,685

↓ $493

2 Bed

From$2,539

To$1,995

↓ $544

3 Bed

From$3,319

To$2,525

↓ $794

Bellevue, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,050/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.

$12,629

Monthly in Bellevue, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,631

Difference

Home Values

Bellevue

Austin

$1.46M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +42.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.01M - $1.63M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 62% less expensive than Bellevue

Calculate payment - Bellevue 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

Bellevue, 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

Bellevue, 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.