Median rent is 4% lower in Washington ($1,581/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Washington, where the median home runs $511,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Washington ($94,015 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 Austin, TX.
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, UT
How much would you need to earn in Washington, UT to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Washington, UT
$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
Utah
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,655/mo in Austin and $1,581/mo in Washington. Median home values are within 0% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $511,100 in Washington.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Utah tops out at 4.65% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.85% in Utah; Washington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Washington
Income tax: 4.65%
Sales tax: 4.85%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Washington.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 111.2).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
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 $1,581/mo in Washington, UT. Washington, UT has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Washington?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $94,015 in Washington, UT. Washington, UT 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Washington?
Texas has no state income tax. Utah has a top rate of 4.65%.
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, UT (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