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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

Austin is 32% cheaper than Seattle.

$1,655/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↑ 21%
$91,461/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↑ 33%
$512,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$912,100 ↑ 78%
$1,747/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↑ 27%
967,862
Population
741,440

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
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $30,523/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Seattle — common questions

Is Austin or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Seattle?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Seattle?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $30,523/year higher in Seattle.
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 Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Seattle has a cost index of 196 with rent of $1,998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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