City Comparison · 2026
Seattle vs Austin
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Seattle = $77k in Austin
Metric
Seattle
Austin
COL Index
1.66
✓1.28
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,400/mo
✓$1,800/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$3,100/mo
✓$2,300/mo
State Income Tax
WA
TX
$100k Take-Home
$78,736
$78,736
$100k Effective Rate
21.26%
21.26%
$100k Savings Potential
$49,936
✓$57,136
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Seattle WA | Austin TX |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. | $50,248 $4,187/mo · 16.25% eff. |
| $100,000 | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. | $78,736 $6,561/mo · 21.26% eff. |
| $150,000 | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. | $113,278 $9,440/mo · 24.48% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle or Austin cheaper to live in?
Seattle has a cost-of-living index of 1.66 while Austin is 1.28 (1.00 = US average). Austin is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Seattle is $2,400/month vs $1,800/month in Austin.
How much more do you need to earn in Seattle vs Austin?
$100k in Seattle = $77k in Austin. Cost of living in Austin is lower by 22.9%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Seattle or Austin?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $78,736 in WA (Seattle) and $78,736 in TX (Austin). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $49,936 in Seattle vs $57,136 in Austin.
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