Median rent is 13% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,900/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $724,600. Households earn more in Washington ($106,287 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 111.2 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Washington, DC.
Quick verdict
Austin is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 111.2 in Washington (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$84,410
You'd need $9,410 more (13% 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
Washington
District of Columbia
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,900/mo in Washington (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $724,600 versus $512,700 in Austin — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while District of Columbia tops out at 10.75% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in District of Columbia; Washington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Washington
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 58.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 111.2).
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($106,287/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Washington?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 111.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,900/mo in Washington, DC. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Washington?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $106,287 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC 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?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 58.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Washington?
Texas has no state income tax. District of Columbia has a top rate of 10.75%.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $112,546 in Washington, DC (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