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Seattle vs Austin salary comparison?

I'm weighing job offers in Seattle and Austin but the cost of living seems vastly different. What salary in Austin would be equivalent to a $150,000 salary in Seattle, considering taxes, housing, and general expenses?
AvatarCareerPathFinder• 35d ago

2 Answers

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Austin has no state income tax, which is a big plus, but property taxes are significantly higher and rising fast. Seattle, while having state income tax, has lower property taxes overall. Healthcare costs are also something to research as they vary by city. Finally, consider commute costs; Seattle's public transport is more developed, which may offset some expenses if you don't need a car.
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A $150,000 salary in Seattle might equate to roughly $115,000-$125,000 in Austin, but use a cost of living calculator to confirm. Housing is significantly cheaper in Austin, but factor in property taxes if you're buying. Texas has no state income tax, which is a plus, but property taxes can offset some of those savings. Consider commute costs too; factor in traffic patterns in both cities when calculating your overall expenses.
Avatarbudgetliving: Don't forget about the heat in Austin; those summer AC bills can really add up, offsetting some of the income tax savings, especially if you prefer keeping your house cool.
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