Is Austin, TX cheaper than Washington, UT?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.5% more expensive than Washington, UT. This translates to spending an extra $786 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Washington, UT?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, UT, you'd need approximately $159,427.784 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, UT and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 18.5% more expensive than in Washington, UT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,246/month in Washington, UT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, UT to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $786 more per month than Washington, UT, or $9428 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Washington, UT vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Washington, UT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from North Las Vegas, NV area

Current salary in Washington, UT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $786/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.4K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$786

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.4K

Per year

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

Washington, UT

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$537K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$558K

Washington, UT

The Beehive State

34K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 34K residents.

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: Washington, UT vs Austin, TX

Category	Washington, UT	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,435/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $450more	18.5%
📦Other	$1,546/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $195more	12.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,397/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $113less	8.1%
⚡All Utilities	$483/mo	$541/mo	↑ $57.48more	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$989/mo	$959/mo	↓ $29.44less	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$589/mo	↓ $12.66less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 18.5%

Washington, UT

$2,435

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$450

📦Other

↑ 12.6%

Washington, UT

$1,546

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$195

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.1%

Washington, UT

$1,397

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$113

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.9%

Washington, UT

$483

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$57.48

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.0%

Washington, UT

$989

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$29.44

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.1%

Washington, UT

$601

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$12.66

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$954

To$1,585

↑ $631

1 Bed

From$962

To$1,685

↑ $723

2 Bed

From$1,246

To$1,995

↑ $749

3 Bed

From$1,639

To$2,525

↑ $886

Washington, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,250/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.

$7,451

Monthly in Washington, UT

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$548

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Austin

$537K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +37.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$537K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 4% more expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$606

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

Washington, UT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Utah State Tax

Effective: 4.9%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,809/month

$105.7K

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

Washington, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.