Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 11.0% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 26% (151.1 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $67,548 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Washington | Austin | Washington vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 98.1 | +11.0% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 93.8 | +11.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 120.4 | +25.6% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 82.0 | +30.1% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 96.2 | +6.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 99.6 | +15.2% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in Austin | $45,032 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in Austin | $90,065 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in Austin | $135,097 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.