Is Austin, TX cheaper than Bothell, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 36.4% cheaper than Bothell, WA. This translates to saving $2729 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bothell, WA, you'd need approximately $117,255.728 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 54.8% cheaper than in Bothell, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,292/month in Bothell, WA.

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

Moving from Bothell, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2729 per month, or $32744 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Bothell, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.3K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 36.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,729

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.7K

Per year

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

Bothell, WA

Population:50K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.07M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$558K

Bothell, WA

The Evergreen State

50K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 50K 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: Bothell, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Bothell, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,385/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,500less	54.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,787/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $503less	28.2%
🏥Healthcare	$799/mo	$589/mo	↓ $211less	26.4%
📦Other	$1,859/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $118less	6.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$959/mo	↓ $87.76less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$541/mo	↑ $74.43more	16.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.8%

Bothell, WA

$6,385

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,500

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.2%

Bothell, WA

$1,787

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$503

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.4%

Bothell, WA

$799

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$211

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Bothell, WA

$1,859

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$118

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Bothell, WA

$1,047

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$87.76

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.0%

Bothell, WA

$467

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$74.43

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,900

To$1,585

↓ $315

1 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,685

↓ $283

2 Bed

From$2,292

To$1,995

↓ $297

3 Bed

From$2,996

To$2,525

↓ $471

Bothell, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,320–$2,600/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.

$12,344

Monthly in Bothell, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,346

Difference

Home Values

Bothell

Austin

$1.07M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +45.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.02M - $1.12M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 48% less expensive than Bothell

Calculate payment - Bothell 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

Bothell, 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

Bothell, 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.