Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lacey, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.2% cheaper than Lacey, WA. This translates to saving $461 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lacey, WA, you'd need approximately $144,464.894 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 3.1% cheaper than in Lacey, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,750/month in Lacey, WA.

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

Moving from Lacey, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $461 per month, or $5535 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Lacey, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $461/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$461

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.5K

Per year

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

Lacey, WA

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$514K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$558K

Lacey, WA

The Evergreen State

58K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 58K 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: Lacey, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Lacey, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,844/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $560less	30.4%
🏥Healthcare	$812/mo	$589/mo	↓ $224less	27.5%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $148more	9.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,064/mo	$959/mo	↓ $104less	9.8%
🏠Housing	$2,976/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $91.18less	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$541/mo	↑ $67.07more	14.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 30.4%

Lacey, WA

$1,844

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$560

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.5%

Lacey, WA

$812

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$224

less

📦Other

↑ 9.3%

Lacey, WA

$1,593

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$148

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.8%

Lacey, WA

$1,064

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$104

less

🏠Housing

↓ 3.1%

Lacey, WA

$2,976

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$91.18

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.2%

Lacey, WA

$474

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$67.07

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,375

To$1,585

↑ $210

1 Bed

From$1,503

To$1,685

↑ $182

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,995

↑ $245

3 Bed

From$2,332

To$2,525

↑ $193

Lacey, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$1,990/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.

$8,763

Monthly in Lacey, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$764

Difference

Home Values

Lacey

Austin

$514K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +27.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$477K - $572K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 8% more expensive than Lacey

Calculate payment - Lacey 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

Lacey, 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

Lacey, 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.