Austin vs Seattle
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $96,172 in Seattle.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Austin feels like $96,172 in Seattle. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 37%.
Austin
Seattle
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Austin and Seattle each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Austin vs Seattle — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Seattle?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $2,146/mo in Seattle. Austin has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Seattle to match Austin?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $96,172 in Seattle — a gain of about 37% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Austin and Seattle?
Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Seattle is in WA (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.