The Verdict
Living in Austin is 17% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Austin to Seattle, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about $94,615 in Seattle.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,100 | $2,730 | +$630 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $428 | +$32 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $298 | $322 | +$24 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $114 | $-16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $210 | $170 | $-40 |
| Total Monthly | $3,134 | $3,764 | +$630 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (17% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential ($5,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Seattle to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $63,077 | $13,077 more |
| $75,000 | $94,615 | $19,615 more |
| $100,000 | $126,154 | $26,154 more |
| $125,000 | $157,692 | $32,692 more |
| $150,000 | $189,231 | $39,231 more |
| $200,000 | $252,308 | $52,308 more |
Austin vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 17%. Austin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 60, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: Austin: $4,500/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 4, while Seattle wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.