Cost of Living: Seattle vs Austin (2026)
Compare cost of living: Seattle vs Austin. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Austin is 37% cheaper.
Seattle is approximately 37% more expensive than Austin overall. Moving from Seattle to Austin could save you $6600+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Seattle vs Austin including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Seattle or Austin is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Seattle | Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 158 | 115 | +37% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,200/mo | $1,650/mo | +$550 |
| Median Salary | $78,000 | $62,000 | +$16,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $110 | $93 | +$17 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $115 | $98 | +$17 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Seattle, you would need approximately $54,589 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Austin requires $103,043 in Seattle.
| Salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $36,392 |
| $75,000 | $54,589 |
| $100,000 | $72,785 |
| $125,000 | $90,981 |
| $150,000 | $109,177 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,200 in Seattle vs $1,650 in Austin — $550/month or $6,600/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.