Moving from Seattle to Austin — What It Really Costs
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFHousing difference
Median 1BR rent in Austin is $1,562/mo vs $2,146/mo in Seattle — a difference of $584/month ($7,008/year).
Salary difference — purchasing power
Your $70,000 in Seattle feels like approximately $50,951 in Austin — a purchasing power reduction of 27%.
Tax difference
On a $70,000 salary, take-home in Austin is about $57,631/year vs $57,631/year in Seattle — effectively the same from state income tax differences.
Breathing room comparison
Seattle
Austin
Should I move? The bottom line
Moving from Seattle to Austin changes your monthly housing by about $584 and your annual take-home by about $0. Your money won't stretch as far — purchasing power falls about 27%, so aim for a higher salary to hold your standard of living.
This is a picture, not a verdict.
Moving Seattle → Austin — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Austin?
Yes — median 1BR rent in Austin ($1,562/mo) is lower than in Seattle ($2,146/mo). Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Austin?
To match the purchasing power of $70,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $50,951 in Austin, after housing and taxes. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR, Tax Foundation 2025.
What is the cost of living difference between Seattle and Austin?
Median 1BR rent differs by about $584/month, and take-home on a $70,000 salary differs by about $0/year due to state taxes. This is a picture, not a verdict.