Is Austin, TX cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 40.1% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3009 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $113,895.349 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 61.7% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $3009 per month, or $36105 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.9K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 40.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,009

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$558K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Seattle, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $4,652less	61.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $615less	32.4%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$589/mo	↓ $235less	28.6%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $234less	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$541/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 61.7%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$4,652

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$615

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 28.6%

Seattle, WA

$824

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$235

less

📦Other

↓ 11.9%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$234

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

Seattle, WA

$481

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$60.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,585

↓ $595

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,685

↓ $575

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,995

↓ $635

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,525

↓ $915

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$5,796

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Austin

$808K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 31% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, 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

Seattle, 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.