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Austin vs Seattle

Austin runs about 24% cheaper than Seattle for this household, a difference of 806 USD a month.

The skyline of Austin, the capital city of Texas. With a population of 961,855, it's the 13th-most populous city in the U.S.
Austin
$3,356/month · United States
Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0
The Seattle skyline at dusk as viewed from the Jose Rizal Bridge. In the foreground is the Interstate 5 in Washington.
Seattle
$4,162/month · United States
Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0
Austin monthly
$3,356
Index 53 (NYC = 100)
Seattle monthly
$4,162
Index 65 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+24%
Seattle relative to Austin
Rent gap
$577
Seattle costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

AustinSeattle
  • Housing
    Housing: Austin $1,443, Seattle $2,020. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Food
    Food: Austin $755, Seattle $849. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Transport
    Transport: Austin $114, Seattle $189. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Austin $235, Seattle $227. Cheaper in Seattle.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Austin $513, Seattle $537. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Austin $154, Seattle $181. Cheaper in Austin.
  • Other
    Other: Austin $142, Seattle $159. Cheaper in Austin.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricAustinSeattle
Cost
Total monthly cost3,356 USD✓4,162 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)53✓65
Housing1,443 USD✓2,020 USD
Utilities235 USD227 USD✓
Food755 USD✓849 USD
Transport114 USD✓189 USD
Healthcare513 USD✓537 USD
Lifestyle154 USD✓181 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,575 USD6,575 USD
Effective tax + social rate21.1%21.1%
Left over each month3,219 USD✓2,413 USD
Average local net salary4,700 USD5,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,443 USD✓2,020 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,623 USD✓3,856 USD
Buy price per m², centre4,200 USD✓8,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety62/100✓58/100
Healthcare78/10086/100✓
Air quality70/10078/100✓
Public transport32/10068/100✓
Walkability45/10074/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife82/100✓76/100
Family friendliness74/100✓70/100
Median broadband280 Mbps✓260 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature21°C12°C✓
Summer high35°C26°C✓
Winter low4°C✓2°C
Sunshine hours per year2,650 h✓2,170 h
Annual rainfall870 mm✓950 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach accessNone nearby25 min✓
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/ChicagoAmerica/Los_Angeles

Austin runs about 24% cheaper than Seattle for this household, a difference of 806 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in AustinCost of living in SeattleConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Austin vs MontrealAustin vs TorontoAustin vs Vancouver
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Austin or Seattle cheaper?

Austin runs about 24% cheaper than Seattle for this household, a difference of 806 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seattle compared with Austin?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,575 a month in Austin and $6,575 in Seattle, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Austin or Seattle?

Austin scores 62/100 on safety and 78/100 on healthcare; Seattle scores 58 and 86. Austin averages 21°C against 12°C in Seattle.