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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Austin is 9% more expensive than Vancouver.

$1,655/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 1%
$91,461/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 15%
$512,700 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 14%
$1,747/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 8%
967,862
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,305/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Austin or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Vancouver?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Vancouver?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $13,305/year higher in Austin.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Vancouver details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Vancouver

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Vancouver vs. Knoxville Vancouver vs. Glendale Vancouver vs. Peoria Vancouver vs. Providence Vancouver vs. Huntington Beach Vancouver vs. Akron