Is Austin, TX cheaper than Kennewick, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.0% more expensive than Kennewick, WA. This translates to spending an extra $679 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Kennewick, WA, you'd need approximately $158,142.542 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 39.4% more expensive than in Kennewick, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,348/month in Kennewick, WA.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $679 more per month than Kennewick, WA, or $8143 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Kennewick, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Kennewick, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $679/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.1K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 9.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$679

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.1K

Per year

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

Kennewick, WA

Population:85K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$392K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$558K

Kennewick, WA

The Evergreen State

85K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 85K 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: Kennewick, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Kennewick, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,070/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $815more	39.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,888/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $604less	32.0%
🏥Healthcare	$822/mo	$589/mo	↓ $233less	28.4%
📦Other	$1,531/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $210more	13.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,076/mo	$959/mo	↓ $117less	10.9%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$541/mo	↑ $61.49more	12.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 39.4%

Kennewick, WA

$2,070

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$815

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.0%

Kennewick, WA

$1,888

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$604

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 28.4%

Kennewick, WA

$822

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$233

less

📦Other

↑ 13.7%

Kennewick, WA

$1,531

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$210

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.9%

Kennewick, WA

$1,076

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.8%

Kennewick, WA

$479

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$61.49

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$980

To$1,585

↑ $605

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$1,685

↑ $574

2 Bed

From$1,348

To$1,995

↑ $647

3 Bed

From$1,817

To$2,525

↑ $708

Kennewick, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,390/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.

$7,866

Monthly in Kennewick, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$133

Difference

Home Values

Kennewick

Austin

$392K

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +28.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$362K - $423K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 42% more expensive than Kennewick

Calculate payment - Kennewick 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

Kennewick, 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

Kennewick, 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.