Is Austin, TX cheaper than Richland, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.3% more expensive than Richland, WA. This translates to spending an extra $774 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richland, WA, you'd need approximately $159,293.419 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 41.0% more expensive than in Richland, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,470/month in Richland, WA.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $774 more per month than Richland, WA, or $9293 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Richland, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $774/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$774

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

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

Richland, WA

Population:64K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$492K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$558K

Richland, WA

The Evergreen State

64K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 64K 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: Richland, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Richland, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,046/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $839more	41.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,866/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $582less	31.2%
🏥Healthcare	$817/mo	$589/mo	↓ $228less	27.9%
📦Other	$1,514/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $227more	15.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,070/mo	$959/mo	↓ $111less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$477/mo	$541/mo	↑ $64.28more	13.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 41.0%

Richland, WA

$2,046

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$839

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.2%

Richland, WA

$1,866

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$582

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.9%

Richland, WA

$817

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$228

less

📦Other

↑ 15.0%

Richland, WA

$1,514

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$227

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.3%

Richland, WA

$1,070

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$111

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.5%

Richland, WA

$477

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$64.28

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,069

To$1,585

↑ $516

1 Bed

From$1,211

To$1,685

↑ $474

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,995

↑ $525

3 Bed

From$1,980

To$2,525

↑ $545

Richland, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,450/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.

$7,788

Monthly in Richland, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$210

Difference

Home Values

Richland

Austin

$492K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +27.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$492K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 13% more expensive than Richland

Calculate payment - Richland 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

Richland, 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

Richland, 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.