Washington vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Median home value runs $705,000 in Washington, 53% higher than the $461,500 median in Austin.
Median household income is $101,722 in Washington versus $86,556 in Austin.
Typical rent runs $1,817 in Washington and $1,549 in Austin.
On climate risk, the two cities are evenly matched — both rated "Relatively High" by FEMA.
| Metric | Washington, DC | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 670,587 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $705,000 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $101,722 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $1,817 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
On housing costs, Austin, TX looks more affordable than Washington, DC — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.