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 vs $91,461). Austin runs hotter in summer (96°F vs 75°F). Austin has the lower citywide violent-offense rate (400.9 vs 585.4 per 100k). Austin shows the lower county unemployment rate (3.9% vs 4.9%). Austin has 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 | 993,588 | 780,995 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $121,984 | $78,538 U.S. avg · 16% above U.S. avg · relatively higher |
| Median home value | $512,700 | $912,100 | $303,400 U.S. avg · 69% above U.S. avg |
| Median rent | $1,655 | $1,998 | $1,348 U.S. avg · 23% above U.S. avg |
| Housing cost index | 146 | 224 | 100 U.S. avg · 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.9% | 4.9% | 4.2% U.S. rate · county LAUS, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 26 min | 30 min | 25 min Catalog avg · Near catalog avg |
| Violent crime rate | 400.9 / 100k | 585.4 / 100k | 559.5 / 100k Catalog avg · citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 3710.5 / 100k | 4495.6 / 100k | 3005.3 / 100k Catalog avg · citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 279 days | 211 days | 268 days Catalog avg · Near catalog avg |
| Summer high | 96°F | 75°F | 87°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 44°F | 37°F | 35°F Catalog avg · 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 3.9%, 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 4.9%, 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 Austin if the lower citywide violent-offense rate matters more; pick Seattle for higher local incomes. The housing-index gap is 78 points. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.