Moving from Tacoma to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 7% more for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your Tacoma lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tacoma | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,807 |
| $50K | $53,509 |
| $60K | $64,211 |
| $75K | $80,263 |
| $80K | $85,614 |
| $100K | $107,018 |
| $120K | $128,421 |
| $150K | $160,526 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Tacoma vs Austin
| Expense | Tacoma | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $399 | $372 |
| Transport | $90 | $50 |
| Utilities | $118 | $170 |
| Internet | $63 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,171 | $2,284 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $113 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Tacoma — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Tacoma?
No. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). That's about 7% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Tacoma to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tacoma to Austin saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Tacoma lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tacoma, you'd need roughly $80,263/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only