Is Austin, TX cheaper than Walla Walla, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 12.8% more expensive than Walla Walla, WA. This translates to spending an extra $962 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Walla Walla, WA, you'd need approximately $161,546.652 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.2% more expensive than in Walla Walla, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,315/month in Walla Walla, WA.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $962 more per month than Walla Walla, WA, or $11547 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Walla Walla, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $962/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.5K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$962

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.5K

Per year

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

Walla Walla, WA

Population:33K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$401K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$558K

Walla Walla, WA

The Evergreen State

33K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 33K 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: Walla Walla, WA vs Austin, TX

Category	Walla Walla, WA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,000/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $884more	44.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,825/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $541less	29.6%
📦Other	$1,480/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $261more	17.6%
🏥Healthcare	$808/mo	$589/mo	↓ $219less	27.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,058/mo	$959/mo	↓ $98.62less	9.3%
⚡All Utilities	$471/mo	$541/mo	↑ $69.59more	14.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.2%

Walla Walla, WA

$2,000

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$884

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.6%

Walla Walla, WA

$1,825

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$541

less

📦Other

↑ 17.6%

Walla Walla, WA

$1,480

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$261

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.1%

Walla Walla, WA

$808

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$219

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.3%

Walla Walla, WA

$1,058

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$98.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.8%

Walla Walla, WA

$471

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$69.59

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$915

To$1,585

↑ $670

1 Bed

From$1,005

To$1,685

↑ $680

2 Bed

From$1,315

To$1,995

↑ $680

3 Bed

From$1,797

To$2,525

↑ $728

Walla Walla, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,230–$1,230/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.

$7,642

Monthly in Walla Walla, WA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$357

Difference

Home Values

Walla Walla

Austin

$401K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +35.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$401K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 39% more expensive than Walla Walla

Calculate payment - Walla Walla 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

Walla Walla, 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

Walla Walla, 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.