Median rent is 34% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,505/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $1,203,100. Households earn more in Bellevue ($161,300 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 114.0 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Bellevue, WA.
Quick verdict
Austin is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 114.0 in Bellevue (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Bellevue, WA
How much would you need to earn in Bellevue, WA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Bellevue, WA
$86,545
You'd need $11,545 more (15% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Bellevue
Washington
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Austin — median rent of $1,655/mo versus $2,505/mo in Bellevue, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Bellevue: the median home is $1,203,100 versus $512,700 in Austin — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.50% in Washington; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Bellevue
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Bellevue has cleaner air on average: 37.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 114.0).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize higher median household income ($161,300/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Bellevue if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 37.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Bellevue?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 114.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Bellevue?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,505/mo in Bellevue, WA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Bellevue?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $161,300 in Bellevue, WA. Bellevue, WA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Bellevue, WA has better air quality on average: 37.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Bellevue?
Both Texas and Washington have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Bellevue to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $115,393 in Bellevue, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology