Quick answer
Texas has lower average 1BR rent ($1,368/mo vs $1,600/mo). Both states have the same state income tax rate (None).
State Comparison · 2026
Texas vs Washington
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Texas vs Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Texas | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,368 ✓ | $1,600 |
| Avg median home price | $372K ✓ | $570K |
| Cheapest city | San Antonio ($1,180) | Spokane ($1,100) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Austin ($1,650) | Seattle ($2,100) |
| State income tax | None ✓ | None |
| Avg walkability | 41/100 | 62/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 5 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
Deep Dive: Each State
Texas (TX)
Tax reality
Texas has no state income tax — on $100K that's roughly $5,000-$9,000/year you keep vs California. The catch: Texas property tax averages 1.6-2.3% annually, among the highest in the US. For renters, it's a pure win. For homeowners, a $450K home costs you $7,200-$10,300/year in property tax.
Top cities (5 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summer heat is genuinely dangerous — 100°F+ days stretch from June through September, and the grid has failed multiple times (Uri 2021, summer 2023). Outdoor time is limited to early morning or after sundown.
- ✕Property taxes are the trade-off for no income tax. On a $450K home you'll pay $7,500-$10,500/year in property taxes — the highest in the country alongside New Jersey and Illinois.
- ✕Car dependency is near-total outside a few Austin and Houston neighborhoods. You will drive everywhere, including to the grocery store. Expect $400-$600/mo in all-in car costs.
Washington (WA)
Tax reality
Washington has no state income tax on W-2 wages. The state collects revenue through a 6.5% state sales tax (local rates push it to 9-10% in most metros) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) gross receipts tax that affects self-employed workers. A 7% capital gains tax (passed 2021) applies only to gains over $250K on investments — so most people never hit it.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Cloud cover from October through April is serious — many newcomers experience genuine seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you've never lived somewhere with low winter sunlight, test with a 2-week November visit before committing.
- ✕Home prices in Seattle proper have stayed high — $750K-$850K median for a modest SFH in decent neighborhoods. Bellevue and eastside tech suburbs run higher.
- ✕Sales tax 9-10% stings. Every purchase is noticeably more expensive than in no-sales-tax states like Oregon or Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas or Washington cheaper to live in?
Texas has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,368/mo vs $1,600/mo in Washington, a $232/mo difference. Home prices: Texas median is $372K vs $570K.
Texas vs Washington: which has lower state income tax?
Texas and Washington have similar state tax (None vs None).
Should I move from Texas to Washington?
Texas has no state income tax — on $100K that's roughly $5,000-$9,000/year you keep vs California. The catch: Texas property tax averages 1.6-2.3% annually, among the highest in the US. For renters, it's a pure win. For homeowners, a $450K home costs you $7,200-$10,300/year in property tax.
What are the best cities in Texas vs Washington?
Texas's largest metros include Austin, Houston, Dallas. Washington's largest metros include Seattle, Spokane. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Texas suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.