Moving from Austin to Seattle?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Austin lifestyle in Seattle, you'd need to earn:
$86,534/year
▲ $11,534 more than you make now
| Category | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $86,534 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$10,651 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$5,365 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,255 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $69,263 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +13.3% in Seattle
- Housing is +25.7% in Seattle
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,770 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Austin to Seattle
| Your Austin Salary | Seattle Equivalent | Difference | Seattle Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $45,621 | +$5,621 | $38,695 |
| $50,000 | $56,985 | +$6,985 | $47,826 |
| $60,000 | $68,948 | +$8,948 | $56,891 |
| $75,000 | $86,534 | +$11,534 | $69,263 |
| $100,000 | $114,826 | +$14,826 | $89,166 |
| $150,000 | $171,949 | +$21,949 | $128,280 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Austin and Seattle Compare
Housing (26% more expensive in Seattle)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle rents for $1,937/month compared to $1,549/month in Austin. Median home prices: $728,000 in Seattle vs $400,000 in Austin.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax. Washington has no state income tax.
Overall Cost of Living
Seattle's overall cost of living is 13.3% higher than Austin, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Austin: 98.1, Seattle: 111.1.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Austin to Seattle move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Seattle
Average 1BR rent in Seattle: $1,937/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →