Cost of Living: Austin vs Seattle (2026)

Austin vs Seattle cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Seattle is about 13% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $113,325 in Seattle.

Seattle is about 13% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $113,325 in Seattle.

Austin vs Seattle: the numbers

MetricAustinSeattleDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)98111+13%
Median rent$1,655$1,998+21%
Median home value$512,700$912,100+78%
Median household income$91,461$121,984+33%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Austin has the same buying power as about $113,325 in Seattle. Going the other way, $100,000 in Seattle is like $88,242 in Austin.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Austin and Seattle.

Compare any salary: Austin vs Seattle

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 111 vs 98 — a 13% difference. Your money goes further in Austin.

About $113,325 — that's what you'd need in Seattle to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin.