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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Seattle is 115% more expensive than College Station.

$1,998/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 42%
$121,984/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 58%
$912,100 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 64%
$2,220/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 44%
741,440
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $70,208/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs College Station — common questions

Is Seattle or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and College Station?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or College Station?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $70,208/year higher in Seattle.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and College Station

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette