Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Seattle vs Austin
Move Value
+$3k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
8/10
Seattle: 9/10 → lateral
10-Year Outlook
+$9k
± $82k confidence band
| Seattle | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $168k | $134k |
| State + local income tax | None | None |
| After-tax income | $125k | $102k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 152 | 119 |
| Median 1BR rent | $2208/mo | $1604/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $82k | $86k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 86 · High | 84 · High |
| Walkability (0–10) | 8 | 5 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 10 | 8 |
Who should make this move
Choose Austin if…
- ·You want $3k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $9k ahead.
- ·Tech salaries close to the coast, no state income tax.
Stay in Seattle if…
- ·Career Velocity is higher in Seattle (9/10 vs 8/10) for your field.
- ·You're optimizing for what Seattle uniquely offers: coastal-grade tech salaries with zero state income tax.
A note on the numbers: Salaries are role-P50 from BLS-style bands. Tax is statutory state + local at ~$110k single. The 10-year outlook uses a 3-year promotion cadence with a small velocity adjustment, 2.5% COL inflation, and discounts to today's dollars. Full assumptions on the methodology page.