Cost of Living: Seattle vs Austin
Seattle is 44% more expensive than Austin
Quick Answer
Seattle is 44% more expensive than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $52,215 in Austin. The biggest gap is in housing costs.
Monthly Cost Comparison
Side-by-side monthly costs for major expense categories:
| Category | Seattle | Austin | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,160/mo | $2,200/mo | Austin (-$960) |
| Groceries | $537/mo | $374/mo | Austin (-$163) |
| Transportation | $498/mo | $347/mo | Austin (-$151) |
| Healthcare | $675/mo | $470/mo | Austin (-$205) |
| Utilities | $253/mo | $176/mo | Austin (-$77) |
| Dining Out | $474/mo | $330/mo | Austin (-$144) |
| Total Monthly | $5,597 | $3,897 | Austin |
Category-by-Category Comparison
Salary Equivalent: Seattle to Austin
Here is what various salaries in Seattle are equivalent to in Austin, adjusted for cost of living differences:
| Salary in Seattle | = | Equivalent in Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $34,810 | -$15,190 | |
| $75,000 | $52,215 | -$22,785 | |
| $100,000 | $69,620 | -$30,380 | |
| $125,000 | $87,025 | -$37,975 | |
| $150,000 | $104,430 | -$45,570 |
If you move from Seattle to Austin, you would maintain the same lifestyle on a lower salary.
Which City Wins by Category?
Save $11,520/year compared to Seattle
Save $1,956/year compared to Seattle
Save $1,812/year compared to Seattle
Save $2,460/year compared to Seattle
Save $924/year compared to Seattle
Save $1,728/year compared to Seattle
Quality of Life Comparison
| Factor | Seattle | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Job Market | Seattle has a competitive, high-paying job market | Austin has a growing job market |
| Weather | Varies by region | Varies by region |
| Commute | Longer average commute, robust public transit | Moderate commute times |
| Entertainment | World-class dining, arts, and nightlife | Good variety of activities and dining |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle more expensive than Austin?
Yes, Seattle is approximately 44% more expensive than Austin overall. The biggest difference is in housing, where Seattle costs are significantly higher.
What salary in Austin equals $75,000 in Seattle?
A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to approximately $52,215 in Austin, adjusted for cost of living differences. This accounts for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.
Where is housing cheaper, Seattle or Austin?
Housing is cheaper in Austin, with average monthly costs of $2,200 compared to $3,160 in Seattle.
Should I move from Seattle to Austin?
Moving from Seattle to Austin could save you approximately $11,520/year on housing alone. However, consider career opportunities, salary adjustments, quality of life, and personal preferences.
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