Austin, Texas and Washington, D.C. are two unique and diverse cities each providing a distinct lifestyle. Austin with its vibrant arts scene and growing tech industry stirs a laid back, affordable lifestyle whereas Washington DC, as the nation's capital, vibrates with a mix of history, politics, and international cultures. Both cities cater differently to those considering relocation or vacation, with distinctive crime rates, weather patterns, cost of living, education, work opportunities, and culture.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Washington, DC : 1,316.4 miles
Austin's population is larger by 44%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Washington has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) during that time.
Austin has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major cities in the United States. Still, like many urban areas, crime exists, particularly in areas farther from the city center. In contrast, Washington, D.C., has higher crime rates, although safety conditions have improved over the years. Neighborhoods close to tourist attractions are generally safer. Both cities invest in public safety, so residents and tourists are encouraged to stay alert and conscious of their environments.
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 1,072 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Washington is 635 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Austin is near to than in Washington.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is much lower than in Washington, D.C. Day-to-day expenses such as groceries, utilities, and dining out are generally cheaper in Austin. Moreover, Texas has no state income tax, making it financially appealing. However, due to the growing popularity of Austin, housing prices have seen a significant rise recently. In contrast, Washington, D.C. has higher living costs but offers higher average salaries.
Income Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, giving Austin residents an economic advantage. In contrast, Washington, D.C. has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 4% to 8.95% depending on income level.
Property Tax
Austin has a three-tiered property tax system that contributes to education, Travis county, and city services. Washington, D.C. has a lower property tax rate, and offers a homestead deduction that reduces taxable property value.
Sales Tax
Austin has a city sales tax rate of 8.25%, while Washington, D.C. has a standard sales tax of 6%, although certain items may have a higher rate.
Income
Type
Austin
Washington
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$90,088
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$65,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
124.2
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $64,419 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in Central Texas and is characterized by flat to rolling terrain, lakes, and the Colorado River. Washington, D.C. has a mix of flat land and small hills, and is located on the East Coast by the Potomac River.
Both cities have highly ranked educational institutions. Austin is home to The University of Texas, one of the largest public universities in the U.S., while Washington, D.C. boasts elite universities like Georgetown University and George Washington University. There are also numerous public and private grade schools in both cities, making them suitable places for families with children.
Austin’s economy is strong and diverse, featuring a booming tech industry with many start-ups and established companies like Dell and IBM. Washington, D.C.'s economy revolves around the federal government, but also offers opportunities in education, health, and professional services. The capital's labor market is very competitive, typically requiring higher levels of education and experience.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employer in Austin is the government, primarily through the University of Texas. In Washington, D.C., the Federal Government employs the most people, but other large employers include Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
2020
71.7%
92.6%
26.5%
5.4%
1.8%
2.0%
2016
65.8%
90.9%
27.2%
4.1%
7.0%
5.0%
2012
60.2%
90.9%
36.2%
7.3%
3.6%
1.8%
2008
63.8%
92.5%
34.4%
6.5%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
56.1%
89.6%
42.1%
9.4%
1.8%
1.0%
2000
41.7%
85.2%
47.0%
9.0%
11.3%
5.9%
1996
52.4%
85.2%
40.0%
9.3%
7.7%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
12.6%
4.5%
7.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
4.4%
22.8%
10.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
3.1%
2.8%
5.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.7%
0.7%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.5%
2.5%
2.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.1%
2.1%
0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.9%
1.0%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
6.2%
0.1%
10.3%
Weather
Austin has a warm climate with a lot of sunshine throughout the year, but it can see intense heat during summer. The hot temperatures can be relieved by Austin’s swimming spots such as Barton Springs. Washington, D.C. experiences all four seasons with hot, humid summers, and cold winters sometimes with snow. Tourists will find Spring and Fall to be the most comfortable times to visit either city.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Washington
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
56.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
68.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
81%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
42.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
32.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
15.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
61.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
45%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
9.7 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
Washington
Washington
Austin
Washington
Austin
Washington
2018
76
88
N/A
0.32
4.9
11.6
26.7
23.2
N/A
N/A
16.4
N/A
8.7
8.8
0.2
0.8
2017
76
84
N/A
0.32
4.6
12.3
29.7
24.9
N/A
N/A
16.5
N/A
8.3
9.8
0.3
1.0
2016
71
98
N/A
0.43
4.2
14.7
29.5
24.6
0.002
N/A
17.2
N/A
8.2
9.5
0.2
1.0
2015
78
91
N/A
0.34
4.4
14.8
28.9
26.2
0.002
N/A
17.0
N/A
8.6
10.4
0.3
1.3
2014
74
85
N/A
0.33
5.2
11.6
28.3
25.9
0.002
N/A
17.1
N/A
8.7
10.0
0.5
1.0
2013
78
88
0.09
0.34
5.5
11.7
29.5
25.6
0.002
N/A
17.3
N/A
8.6
11.6
0.5
1.0
2012
86
103
0.13
0.58
5.5
15.2
30.1
27.6
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
12.2
N/A
1.6
2011
83
105
0.11
0.67
2.6
15.4
33.0
27.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
11.4
N/A
3.1
2010
77
114
0.05
0.88
3.2
15.9
29.4
29.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
9.3
N/A
3.4
2009
76
90
0.05
0.86
2.6
16.2
29.7
24.4
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
7.6
N/A
4.6
2008
81
103
0.12
1.23
3.2
16.2
30.7
25.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
8.5
N/A
5.6
2007
82
113
0.12
1.17
3.1
16.8
27.1
27.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
10.4
N/A
5.1
2006
89
114
0.14
1.11
3.8
17.2
31.3
25.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
10.9
0.2
4.5
2005
92
105
0.15
0.86
4.4
20.5
29.0
22.7
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
11.7
0.2
4.5
2004
74
113
0.16
0.62
3.3
21.3
26.8
20.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
2003
85
108
0.26
0.90
4.2
23.6
28.9
20.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
0.1
8.3
2002
83
125
0.33
1.16
3.9
23.7
27.2
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
2001
83
113
0.31
1.07
4.2
23.9
25.5
22.0
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
2000
86
115
0.28
1.17
4.7
20.2
27.8
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Washington
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
110.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
42.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
19%
Transportation
Austin's public transportation consists of buses and a commuter rail. However, owning a car may be more convenient due to less widespread coverage of public transit. In contrast, Washington, D.C., has extensive public transit, including the Metro and numerous bus routes, serving most parts of the city and making it easy to live without a car.
Transport
Type
Austin
Washington
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
456
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Washington
Bicycle
0.8%
2%
Bus
1.5%
6.3%
Carpooled
7.9%
7.8%
Car alone
85.9%
62.5%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
10.6%
Subway
0%
1.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.8%
Walked
2%
5.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Washington
Average
29.9 min
39.2 min
Other means
22.7 min
26 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Washington
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
91.2%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
9.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin is more affordable when compared to Washington, D.C., but prices are rising due to the city’s increasing popularity. In Washington, D.C., real estate is significantly pricier, especially near the city center and in popular neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Austin neighborhoods like Hyde Park and South Congress are known for their unique character and charm, while Washington, D.C. offers historic neighborhoods like Georgetown, and Capitol Hill. Both cities have a mix of family-friendly suburbs and urban locales.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Washington
Houses
469,156
357,482
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.1
Median year apartment built
1997
1965
Median year house/condo built
1988
1941
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
319,565 (89.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
132,936 (41.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
186,629 (58.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$2,791
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,817
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$996,150
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$669,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$471,443
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$527,983
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$817,288
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$790,542
Median house age
28
65
Renting percentage
54.9%
58%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
5,821.9
House value disparities
28.4%
26.7%
Household income disparities
44.8%
45.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$163,111
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$108,852
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
777 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
8,586 (8.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
100,122 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
1,057 (1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
12,793 (12.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Washington
One, detached
43.1%
11.2%
One, attached
5.2%
22.2%
Two
2.4%
2.7%
3 or 4
4.1%
6.8%
5 to 9
7.2%
7.3%
10 to 19
11.0%
8.5%
20 to 49
8.9%
7.6%
50 or more
17.2%
33.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
16,654
State government workers
46,229
6,699
Unpaid family workers
102
580
Industries and Occupations
The tech industry is a major employment sector in Austin, with many opportunities for software developers, engineers, and IT professionals. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C. government, research, education, and health services are dominant industries, providing a wide variety of white-collar jobs.
Healthcare in Austin is excellent, with top-rated facilities such as the Dell Seton Medical Center and St. David’s Medical Center. Washington, D.C. also offers high-quality healthcare, with renowned hospitals like Medstar Washington Hospital Center and George Washington University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Washington
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin is continuously improving its infrastructure to support its rapid growth. This includes expansion of highways, public transportation, and biking lanes. On the other hand, Washington, D.C., benefitting from being the nation's capital, boasts large-scale public transit systems, multiple airports, and world-class utilities infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Washington
Hospitals
65
114
TV stations
20
27
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
264
247
Bank institutions located here
43
34
Main business address for public companies
44
30
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Washington
1999
4,733
1,328
2000
2,950
1,438
2001
2,038
935
2002
1,772
886
2003
2,213
1,319
2004
2,458
2,281
2005
3,121
2,920
2006
3,367
3,362
2007
2,560
2,548
2008
1,747
1,095
2009
1,067
514
Culture and Food
Austin is known for its live music, arts scene, and cuisine that is heavy on Tex-Mex and BBQ. Popular events include Austin City Limits and South by Southwest (SXSW). Washington, D.C. has a wide culinary range due to its international demographics, and offers rich history and culture with numerous museums and historic sites.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will love both cities, with Austin hosting the University of Texas Longhorns and a new Major League Soccer team, Austin FC. Washington, D.C. is home to several major teams including the Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Capitals (NHL), and the Washington Football team (NFL).
Austin, TX
Washington, DC
Austin, TX and 
Washington, DC : 1,316.4 miles
