Austin vs Seattle
Tech hub cost swap
MapsToIt comparison snapshot
Austin or Seattle — which fits a move?
Austin, TX vs Seattle, WA is a common relocator matchup (tech hub cost swap). Austin posts the lower MapsToIt housing cost index (146 vs 224; 100 = U.S. avg), with median homes near $512,700 versus $912,100. Seattle shows the higher median household income ($121,984), while Austin edges the shorter average commute (26 vs 30 minutes).
Side-by-side metrics
Figures use the same ACS housing index, BLS unemployment, FBI rates, and NOAA normals as each city profile — shown against U.S. / catalog baselines.
| Metric | Austin, TX | Seattle, WA | U.S. / catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 741,440 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $121,984 | $78,538 16% above national average · relatively higher |
| Median home value | $512,700 | $912,100 | $303,400 69% above national average |
| Median rent | $1,655 | $1,998 | $1,348 23% above national average |
| Housing cost index | 146 | 224 | 100 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.5% | 4.7% | 4.2% County LAUS rate, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 26 min | 30 min | 25 min Near national average |
| Violent crime rate | 400.9 / 100k | 585.4 / 100k | 602.7 / 100k Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 3710.5 / 100k | 4495.6 / 100k | 3084.9 / 100k Citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 279 days | 211 days | 266 days Near national average |
| Summer high | 96°F | 75°F | 87°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 44°F | 37°F | 34°F NOAA normals · nearest station |
When should you pick Austin?
Choose Austin when you prioritize its specific mix: housing index 146, median rent $1,655, unemployment 3.5%, and 96°F summer highs — with research often starting in Downtown and South Congress.
When should you pick Seattle?
Choose Seattle when that profile fits better: housing index 224, median rent $1,998, unemployment 4.7%, and 75°F summer highs — newcomers often compare Capitol Hill and Ballard.
Short verdict
Short verdict: pick Austin if housing cost is the binding constraint; pick Seattle if you are optimizing for higher local incomes and can absorb the 78-point housing-index gap. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.