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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

20.4% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
32.2% 32.2% more expensive housing
12.5% 12.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.2% more
Austin
118
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 12.5% more
Austin
96
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 20.4% more
Austin
98
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 13.4% more
Austin
97
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 8.1% cheaper
Austin
99
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index10312420.4% more
Housing11815632.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,05041.4% more
Median Home Price$425,000$780,00083.5% more
Groceries9610812.5% more
Transportation9811820.4% more
Healthcare9711013.4% more
Utilities99918.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Seattle, WA
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Seattle to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Austin979,882
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Seattle → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Seattle →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Seattle vs Portland → Seattle vs Phoenix → Seattle vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 32.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Seattle?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Seattle?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Seattle?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $355,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Washington averages 0.84%.