Is Austin, TX cheaper than Bellingham, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.1% cheaper than Bellingham, WA. This translates to saving $682 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellingham, WA, you'd need approximately $141,819.224 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.4% cheaper than in Bellingham, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,002/month in Bellingham, WA.

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

Moving from Bellingham, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $682 per month, or $8181 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Bellingham, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $682/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$682

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.2K

Per year

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

Bellingham, WA

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$639K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$558K

Bellingham, WA

The Evergreen State

95K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 95K 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: Bellingham, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Bellingham, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,468/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,583less	35.4%
📦Other	$1,301/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $440more	33.8%
⚡All Utilities	$390/mo	$541/mo	↑ $151more	38.6%
🛒Groceries	$876/mo	$959/mo	↑ $83.40more	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$669/mo	$589/mo	↓ $80.20less	12.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $33.32more	2.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.4%

Bellingham, WA

$4,468

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,583

less

📦Other

↑ 33.8%

Bellingham, WA

$1,301

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$440

⚡All Utilities

↑ 38.6%

Bellingham, WA

$390

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$151

🛒Groceries

↑ 9.5%

Bellingham, WA

$876

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$83.40

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.0%

Bellingham, WA

$669

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$80.20

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.7%

Bellingham, WA

$1,251

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$33.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$815

To$1,585

↑ $770

1 Bed

From$831

To$1,685

↑ $854

2 Bed

From$1,002

To$1,995

↑ $993

3 Bed

From$1,394

To$2,525

↑ $1,131

Bellingham, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,460–$1,510/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.

$8,955

Monthly in Bellingham, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$956

Difference

Home Values

Bellingham

Austin

$639K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$630K - $649K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 13% less expensive than Bellingham

Calculate payment - Bellingham 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

Bellingham, 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

Bellingham, 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.