Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Austin to Seattle
Moving from Austin to Seattle involves distinct housing, income, commute, and tax trade-offs according to 2024 ACS 5-year Census data. In a standardized renting scenario, Austin averages approximately $3,612 less per year in baseline core expenses. Austin records a median gross rent of $1,729/mo against $2,030/mo in Seattle, while median household incomes stand at $93,658 and $123,860 respectively. Commute times average 26 minutes in Austin compared to 28 minutes in Seattle. State income tax policies (Texas: 0.0%, Washington: 0.0%) can further influence take-home earnings.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Seattle → AustinMoving from Austin to Seattle
Median Rent Impact
+$301/mo
Moving to Seattle costs ~$3,612 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
0.0% difference
Neither state imposes an individual state income tax.
Daily Commute Difference
+2 min / day
Difference of ~17 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTATX → SEA
61/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$8,772after modeled taxes and essentials
Best gainSeattle rent is ~20% of median income per 2024 ACS.
Watch closelyHigher incomes offset high rents citywide, but local variation exists.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Austin is about $3,612 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Austin household income$93,658
Seattle household income$123,860
Austin gross rent$1,729
Seattle gross rent$2,030
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 979,539 | 754,195 |
| Median household income | $93,658 | $123,860 |
| Median gross rent | $1,729 | $2,030 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $555,300 | $938,600 |
| State-tax treatment | 0% simplified | 0% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 26 minutes in Austin and 28 minutes in Seattle. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Housing cost: Seattle median rent is ~$3,612/year higher
- Income benchmark: Seattle has a higher median household income by $30,202
- State tax parity: Both states share comparable income tax structures
- Commute reality: 26 min one-way (Austin) vs 28 min (Seattle)
What each city wins
Austin
Rent is affordable relative to income; home purchase is not.. Watch lower rent burden may reflect high incomes or constrained supply; high home values suggest strong demand or limited inventory..
Seattle
Seattle rent is ~20% of median income per 2024 ACS.. Watch higher incomes offset high rents citywide, but local variation exists..
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Seattle than Austin?
No. Seattle has a higher median gross rent benchmark ($2,030/mo) compared to Austin ($1,729/mo).
How do salaries compare between Austin and Seattle?
The 2024 ACS 5-year Census estimate indicates median household income in Austin is $93,658 versus $123,860 in Seattle.
How does moving from Austin to Seattle impact state income tax?
Neither Texas nor Washington levies a personal state income tax.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. Tax rates are simplified official references, not personal tax calculations. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.