Software Engineer Salary in Austin vs. Seattle
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Software Engineers moving between Austin, Texas and Seattle, Washington.
Moving from Austin to Seattle
To maintain your current standard of living in Austin ($142,500), you will need a salary of at least $183,600 in Seattle due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 56% more expensive in Seattle (median 1-bed: $2,180/mo vs $1,650/mo in Austin).
- Taxes: Both Austin and Seattle have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $165,000 in Seattle provides an estimated 10.1% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $142,500 in Austin.
Adjust Your Austin Salary
Move the slider or enter your exact salary in Austin to see your required target compensation in Seattle.
Median for Software Engineer in Austin: $142,500
+28.8% ($41,100 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $18,600 below break-even
Software Engineer Salary Percentiles: Austin vs. Seattle
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Austin Base | Seattle Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $88,500 | $102,500 | +16% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $113,500 | $131,500 | +16% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $142,500 | $165,000 | +15.8% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $181,500 | $210,000 | +16% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $221,500 | $256,500 | +16% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Austin (TX)State Tax: 0%
Seattle (WA)State Tax: 0%
* Note: Tax estimations are based on standard single filer brackets and effective statutory rates. Actual tax obligations depend on filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and local municipal withholdings.
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Find Apartments in Seattle
Explore 1-bed rentals in Seattle (median: $2,180/mo) and neighborhood crime/walkability scores.
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Austin, Texas
Known as Silicon Hills, Austin offers a booming tech ecosystem with zero state income tax, making it a prime destination for remote and hybrid tech workers.
Seattle, Washington
Home to Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle combines top-tier tech compensation with zero state income tax, balanced against premium housing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer (Austin vs. Seattle)
How much does a Software Engineer make in Austin vs. Seattle?
In Austin, the median salary for a Software Engineer is $142,500 per year (range: $113,500 - $181,500). In Seattle, the median salary is $165,000 per year (range: $131,500 - $210,000), representing a +15.8% compensation difference.
What salary in Seattle equals a $142,500 salary in Austin?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $142,500 salary in Austin, you would need to earn approximately $183,600 in Seattle, due to the 28.8% higher cost of living in Seattle.
Is it more expensive to live in Austin or Seattle?
Seattle is more expensive overall. Seattle has a Cost of Living Index of 152 compared to 118 for Austin. Housing is 56% more expensive in Seattle (median 1-bed: $2,180/mo vs $1,650/mo in Austin).
How do state income taxes compare between Austin (TX) and Seattle (WA)?
Both Austin and Seattle have 0% state income tax, allowing you to keep more of your gross salary. Austin has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 0%, while Seattle has an estimated rate of 0%.
What are average rental costs in Austin vs. Seattle?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Austin is approximately $1,650/month, compared to $2,180/month in Seattle.
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