Moving from Bellevue to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 148 for Bellevue (100 = US average). You'd pay about 18% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$957/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
148122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,700$1,800
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Austin to match your Bellevue lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Bellevue | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,973 |
| $50K | $41,216 |
| $60K | $49,459 |
| $75K | $61,824 |
| $80K | $65,946 |
| $100K | $82,432 |
| $120K | $98,919 |
| $150K | $123,649 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Bellevue vs Austin
| Expense | Bellevue | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,700 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $426 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $50 |
| Utilities | $120 | $170 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,327 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Bellevue?
Yes. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 148 for Bellevue (100 = US average). That's about 18% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Bellevue to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Bellevue to Austin could save roughly $957/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,484/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Bellevue lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Bellevue, you'd need roughly $61,824/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Austin to BellevueBellevue vs Austin — full comparisonBellevue cost of livingAustin cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only