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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Washington, DC

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

26.2% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
37.3% 37.3% 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 37.3% more
Austin
118
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 12.5% more
Austin
96
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 24.5% more
Austin
98
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 13.4% more
Austin
97
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 6.1% more
Austin
99
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index10313026.2% more
Housing11816237.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,20051.7% more
Median Home Price$425,000$620,00045.9% more
Groceries9610812.5% more
Transportation9812224.5% more
Healthcare9711013.4% more
Utilities991056.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Washington, DC
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Washington costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Washington57°F
Population
Austin979,882
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Washington?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $195,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.