Is Austin, TX cheaper than Des Moines, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 4.9% cheaper than Des Moines, WA. This translates to saving $365 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Des Moines, WA, you'd need approximately $145,614.703 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 1.7% cheaper than in Des Moines, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,776/month in Des Moines, WA.

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

Moving from Des Moines, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $365 per month, or $4385 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Moines, WA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Moines, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Des Moines, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $365/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.6K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$365

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.4K

Per year

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

Des Moines, WA

Population:32K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$580K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$558K

Des Moines, WA

The Evergreen State

32K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 32K 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: Des Moines, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Des Moines, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,819/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $535less	29.4%
🏥Healthcare	$807/mo	$589/mo	↓ $218less	27.0%
📦Other	$1,572/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $169more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,056/mo	$959/mo	↓ $97.11less	9.2%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$541/mo	↑ $70.26more	14.9%
🏠Housing	$2,936/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $51.22less	1.7%

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.4%

Des Moines, WA

$1,819

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$535

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.0%

Des Moines, WA

$807

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$218

less

📦Other

↑ 10.8%

Des Moines, WA

$1,572

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$169

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.2%

Des Moines, WA

$1,056

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$97.11

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.9%

Des Moines, WA

$471

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$70.26

🏠Housing

↓ 1.7%

Des Moines, WA

$2,936

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$51.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,474

To$1,585

↑ $111

1 Bed

From$1,523

To$1,685

↑ $162

2 Bed

From$1,776

To$1,995

↑ $219

3 Bed

From$2,321

To$2,525

↑ $204

Des Moines, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,870–$1,870/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.

$8,661

Monthly in Des Moines, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$662

Difference

Home Values

Des Moines

Austin

$580K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -1.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +25.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$580K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 4% less expensive than Des Moines

Calculate payment - Des Moines 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

Des Moines, 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

Des Moines, 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.