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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Seattle is 43% more expensive than Allen.

$1,998/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 6%
$121,984/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 6%
$912,100 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 53%
$2,220/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 6%
741,440
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $7,146/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Allen — common questions

Is Seattle or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Allen?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Allen?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $7,146/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Allen

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago