Austin vs Seattle: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Seattle is 25% more expensive than Austin. Austin is 27% safer. Austin has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Austin population: 1,002,632. Seattle population: 784,777.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Austin vs Seattle
Austin is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 120 vs 150 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 30 index points.
| Category | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 120 | 150 |
| Housing | $2,990/moIndex: 168 | $4,272/moIndex: 240 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $451/moIndex: 110 |
| Transportation | $368/moIndex: 105 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Austin vs Seattle
Austin is 27% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Seattle's 54. Austin earns a D- safety grade compared to Seattle's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Austin
Texas
Seattle
Washington
| Metric | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 39.5/1K | 54/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 600.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3600.0 | 4800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.6 | 8.9 |
| Assault Rate | 278.3 | 496.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.6 | 84.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 461.8 | 760.1 |
| Theft Rate | 3112.6 | 3673.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 763.2 | 541.8 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Austin, you have a 1 in 25 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 19 in Seattle.
Climate: Austin vs Seattle
Austin Climate Overview
Seattle Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80.2°F | 60.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 58.7°F | 45.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 33.9" | 37.0" |
| Annual Snow | None | 4.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Austin is 22°F warmer in summer than Seattle, but Seattle is 6°F colder in winter than Austin. Seattle gets 4 inches of snow annually, while Austin rarely sees any.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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