Purchasing Power: Austin vs Seattle (2026)
See what your salary in Austin would feel like in Seattle — and what you'd need to earn to maintain the same lifestyle.
From City
Your Gross Salary in Austin
To City
⚠️ Living in Seattle costs 22.0% more than Austin
Monthly Cost of Living: Austin vs Seattle
| Category |  Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Rent | $1,900 | $2,400 |
| 🛒 Groceries | $420 | $480 |
| 🍽️ Eating Out | $240 | $280 |
| 🚌 Transport | $90 | $100 |
| ⚡ Utilities | $170 | $180 |
| Total Essentials | $2,820 | $3,440 |
To match your lifestyle in Austin on $100,000/year, you need approximately $110,338/year gross in Seattle.
That's $9,195/month gross, or roughly $53/hour.
Austin
Monthly Net: $6,702
Monthly Expenses: $2,820
Disposable: $3,882
Savings Rate: 57.9%
Seattle (estimated)
Monthly Expenses: $3,440
To match disposable: $7,322 net/month needed
Equivalent gross: $110,338/year
Compare other city pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does $100,000 go in Seattle compared to Austin?
A monthly lifestyle that costs $2,820 in Austin will cost approximately 122.0% of that amount in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match my lifestyle in Austin?
To maintain the same disposable income and lifestyle as earning $100,000/year in Austin, you would need to earn approximately $110,338/year gross in Seattle.
Is Seattle cheaper than Austin to live in?
No, Seattle is more expensive than Austin. Monthly essential costs are $3,440 in Seattle versus $2,820 in Austin — 22.0% more.