Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and Austin, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.7
- Housing RPP
- 154.8
- Goods RPP
- 116.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,645/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Austin, TX is cheaper than Seattle, WA by about 13.1% (RPP 113.7 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $52,137
in Austin, TX
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $86,895
in Austin, TX
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $130,343
in Austin, TX
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Austin, TX cheaper or more expensive than Seattle, WA?
- Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 13.1%.
- What salary do I need in Austin, TX if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $86,895 in Austin, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 113.7).