Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Austin is 46% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,655/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 51%
$91,461/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 76%
$512,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 135%
$1,747/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 48%
967,862
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $69,839/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Austin or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Bellevue?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Bellevue?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $69,839/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Bellevue details →

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