Comparing Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, reveals notable differences in terms of climate, cost of living, the economy, as well as distinctive cultural identities of each city. Austin is known for its warm weather, vibrant music scene, and strong tech industry while Seattle offers a maritime climate, iconic landmarks, and a robust tech and aerospace sector. The cost of living is lower in Austin as compared to Seattle, but both cities have strong employment opportunities and excellent educational resources.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Seattle, WA : 1,768.4 miles
Austin's population is larger by 31%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Seattle has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) during that time.
According to national crime statistics, Seattle has a higher crime rate compared to Austin. This difference does not mean that Austin is entirely crime-free, but in general, both cities are relatively safe for residents and tourists. Seattle and Austin have dedicated law enforcement agencies that work diligently to maintain safety. For peace of mind, prospective residents should consider looking into local areas of the city they plan to move to better understand local crime rates.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 481 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Seattle is 1,464 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Austin than in Seattle.
Cost of Living
Seattle's cost of living is higher than Austin's, with housing being the most significant factor in the cost of living difference. While both cities have experienced a surge in population and demand for housing, the real estate market in Seattle is notoriously expensive. Groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation are also typically more expensive in Seattle than in Austin. However, salaries in Seattle are also generally higher, which can balance out the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, which applies to Austin residents. On the other hand, Washington state does not impose state income tax either, benefiting Seattle residents. However, Seattle does have a high corporate tax rate for businesses established there.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Austin are higher on average than those in Seattle. The property tax rates are often used to fund local schools and other community resources. Potential home buyers should consider these tax implications when contemplating a move to either city.
Sales Tax
The total sales tax rate in Seattle is currently 10.1%, whereas in Austin it is 8.25%. These taxes apply to applicable goods and services purchased within each city. The extra revenue helps support transportation, education, and other city services.
Income
Type
Austin
Seattle
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$110,781
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$74,733
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
118.5
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $61,463 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Seattle is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, offering breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. Austin also features a varied geography with hill country, lakes, and parks, with a heavy emphasis on outdoor life, marked by numerous hiking and biking trails.
Seattle and Austin both have excellent educational opportunities. The University of Washington in Seattle is highly ranked nationally and boasts strong programs in areas like computer science and engineering. Austin is home to the University of Texas, one of the largest universities in the U.S., with world-renowned business and engineering schools. Public and private schools in both cities are highly rated, making both a good choice for families with children.
The economies of both cities are strong, but they focus on different industries. Austin has a booming tech industry with many start-ups and is known as Silicon Hills. Some of the biggest names in tech, such as Apple, Google, and Dell, have operations in the city. Seattle's economy is also tech-centered with Microsoft and Amazon having their headquarters there. It's also known for its aerospace industry with Boeing.
Biggest Employers
Seattle's biggest employers are Amazon, Microsoft, and the University of Washington. Meanwhile, in Austin, the top employers include Dell, the University of Texas at Austin, and the state government. Both cities present ample job opportunities for potential residents, particularly in the tech sector and education.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
2020
71.7%
75.1%
26.5%
22.3%
1.8%
2.6%
2016
65.8%
70.0%
27.2%
21.1%
7.0%
8.9%
2012
60.2%
69.0%
36.2%
28.5%
3.6%
2.5%
2008
63.8%
70.2%
34.4%
28.1%
1.8%
1.7%
2004
56.1%
65.1%
42.1%
33.8%
1.8%
1.1%
2000
41.7%
60.3%
47.0%
34.5%
11.3%
5.2%
1996
52.4%
56.4%
40.0%
31.4%
7.7%
12.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
14.4%
4.5%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
0.3%
22.8%
3.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.8%
2.8%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.6%
0.7%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
1.3%
2.5%
4.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.5%
2.1%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.0%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
0.1%
2.9%
Weather
Austin enjoys a subtropical climate with hot, long summers, and mild winters, making it an enticing destination for those who love sunshine. On the other hand, Seattle is known for its cool, damp climate with frequent drizzle and less sunshine. Seattle's cool climate provides a unique charm and is perfect for those who appreciate cooler temperatures and cloud-covered landscapes. In contrast, Austin's warm climate can give residents the opportunity to indulge in plenty of outdoor activities throughout most of the year.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Seattle
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
52.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
78.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
36.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
21.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
11.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
49.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
20%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
Austin
Seattle
2018
76
82
N/A
0.21
4.9
10.6
26.7
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
8.3
0.2
0.7
2017
76
92
N/A
0.23
4.6
11.1
29.7
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
8.8
0.3
0.3
2016
71
67
N/A
0.22
4.2
11.9
29.5
20.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
6.6
0.2
0.6
2015
78
81
N/A
0.23
4.4
10.8
28.9
19.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.5
0.3
0.8
2014
74
75
N/A
0.24
5.2
11.5
28.3
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
7.4
0.5
N/A
2013
78
81
0.09
0.24
5.5
N/A
29.5
17.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
9.1
0.5
0.8
2012
86
77
0.13
0.23
5.5
N/A
30.1
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.7
N/A
1.0
2011
83
72
0.11
0.24
2.6
N/A
33.0
18.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.5
N/A
1.1
2010
77
71
0.05
0.24
3.2
N/A
29.4
18.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
6.7
N/A
1.1
2009
76
94
0.05
0.27
2.6
N/A
29.7
17.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
8.0
N/A
1.4
2008
81
80
0.12
0.30
3.2
N/A
30.7
17.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
6.5
N/A
1.3
2007
82
83
0.12
0.30
3.1
N/A
27.1
18.2
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
9.8
7.9
N/A
1.5
2006
89
98
0.14
N/A
3.8
N/A
31.3
18.3
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
10.0
8.7
0.2
N/A
2005
92
101
0.15
0.80
4.4
18.3
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.5
N/A
10.7
9.5
0.2
3.5
2004
74
102
0.16
0.81
3.3
17.9
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
N/A
3.0
2003
85
91
0.26
0.78
4.2
18.5
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
0.1
2.4
2002
83
87
0.33
0.82
3.9
19.3
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
2.7
2001
83
88
0.31
0.90
4.2
20.7
25.5
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
N/A
3.7
2000
86
98
0.28
1.06
4.7
20.9
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Seattle
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
5.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
1,394.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
30%
Transportation
Both Austin and Seattle have robust public transportation systems. Seattle's public transit includes buses, light rail, and ferries, while Austin offers bus and metro rail services. Commuting times can be an issue, mostly during peak hours, for both cities. Both cities also promote alternative modes of transportation, like cycling and walking, with designated bike lanes and trails prevalent in each city.
Transport
Type
Austin
Seattle
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
911
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Seattle
Bicycle
0.8%
2.1%
Bus
1.5%
8.9%
Carpooled
7.9%
8.7%
Car alone
85.9%
67.8%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0.7%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Subway
0%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Seattle
Average
29.9 min
35 min
Other means
22.7 min
23.5 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
35.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Seattle
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
89%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
1.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Seattle's real estate market is pricey with a high demand for housing, driven by its booming economy and scenic views. Home prices are higher than the national average. Austin's real estate market is also thriving but is relatively less expensive than Seattle. Both cities offer a range of housing options, from downtown condos to suburban homes, but buying a house in Seattle is likely to be more expensive.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. In Seattle, you can enjoy the urban sophistication of areas like Belltown or the Ballard's cool arts scene. Austin's neighborhoods range from the trendy East Austin to the upscale Westlake. Each city's neighborhoods offer a unique flavor and quality of life, with a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Seattle
Houses
469,156
384,799
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.1
Median year apartment built
1997
1987
Median year house/condo built
1988
1955
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
12.4 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
351,650 (91.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
161,587 (46%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
190,063 (54%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$2,780
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,984
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$860,506
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$848,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$764,579
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$719,049
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$626,370
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$226,727
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$925,507
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
28
47
Renting percentage
54.9%
51.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
4,587.9
House value disparities
28.4%
20.6%
Household income disparities
44.8%
42.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$189,767
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$112,771
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
2,459 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
12,354 (10.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
115,481 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
240 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
13,881 (11.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
2.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Seattle
One, detached
43.1%
39.6%
One, attached
5.2%
6.0%
Two
2.4%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.1%
3.2%
5 to 9
7.2%
5.7%
10 to 19
11.0%
7.0%
20 to 49
8.9%
11.9%
50 or more
17.2%
24.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
24,994
State government workers
46,229
27,235
Unpaid family workers
102
947
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in Seattle are tech, aerospace, and healthcare, while the main occupations range from software engineers to aircraft mechanics. On the other hand, Austin's economy is dominated by tech, entertainment, and government, with common occupations being software developers, musicians, and government employees. Both cities are well-suited for professionals in the tech industry.
Both Seattle and Austin offer excellent health care services. Seattle has top-ranked hospitals like the University of Washington Medical Center and Swedish Hospital, while Austin features highly-regarded healthcare facilities such as the Dell Seton Medical Center and St. David's Medical Center. Both cities are home to innovative healthcare companies and initiatives.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Seattle
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin's infrastructure integrates both modern design and traditional architecture, with a city layout that's relatively easy to navigate. Seattle's infrastructure is also modern but has unique features like its large ferries network. Both cities have international airports and good quality public transportation systems. However, traffic can be significant in both cities during peak hours.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Seattle
Hospitals
65
22
TV stations
20
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
5
Bank branches located here
264
236
Bank institutions located here
43
37
Main business address for public companies
44
54
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Seattle
1999
4,733
1,357
2000
2,950
1,148
2001
2,038
890
2002
1,772
840
2003
2,213
1,421
2004
2,458
1,810
2005
3,121
2,341
2006
3,367
2,789
2007
2,560
2,273
2008
1,747
1,113
2009
1,067
748
Culture and Food
Seattle's culture is rich in art, music, and cuisine, from its famous coffee culture to well-known landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Diverse seafood, a result of its Pacific Northwest location, marks Seattle's culinary scene. Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is famous for its music festivals, including SXSW and Austin City Limits. Its food scene is dominated by barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, along with a burgeoning farm-to-table movement.
Sports Teams
Seattle is renowned for its passionate sports culture, with major league teams including the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), and Seattle Sounders (MLS). The city also recently welcomed the NHL team, the Seattle Kraken. Austin, on the other hand, doesn't have any major league sports teams but does feature a fervent college sports scene, with the University of Texas Longhorn teams.
Austin, TX
Seattle, WA
Austin, TX and 
Seattle, WA : 1,768.4 miles
