🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Washington
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Washington
United States
$2,862–$4,531/mo
$2,862 – $4,531 / month (local)
Washington is 13% more expensive
Austin wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Washington (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $2,146–$3,338 | 🟢 Austin |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $1,133–$1,788 | 🟢 Austin |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $89–$173 | 🟢 Austin |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $453–$680 | 🟢 Austin |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $60–$107 | 🟢 Austin |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $113–$137 | 🟢 Austin |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $36–$60 | 🟢 Austin |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $42–$78 | 🟢 Austin |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Austin |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,862–$4,531 | 🟢 Austin |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 4.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Safety9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Education8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Environment9.5 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Culture8.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Washington
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Washington
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Washington if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Washington offers vs Austin
- ✓Careers in policy
- ✓Museums
- ✓Transit
- ✓Government
You might also like…
📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Washington guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Washington →