Auburn, WA Salary Guide: The Real Value of a $100,000 Paycheck

You see the offer letter: $100,000. It looks solid. But in the world of financial analysis, the "sticker price" is a liar. To understand your actual purchasing power in Auburn, Washington, we have to strip away the deductions and look at the raw data.

Here is the financial reality of earning six figures in King County.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the Verification Test. We aren't interested in gross earnings; we are interested in net liquidity.

The Gross vs. Net Breakdown:

• Sticker Price: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (WA): $0
• Local Tax: $0

The Verdict:
Your take-home pay is $78,736 annually.

The Analysis:
Washington State aggressively protects your income from state-level taxation. While federal and FICA deductions are unavoidable constants, the absence of a state income tax is a massive force multiplier.

In a high-tax state like New York or California, that $100k gross could easily net you $65k or less. In Auburn, you are retaining nearly 79% of your gross earnings. The $0 state tax bill adds roughly $5,000–$8,000 back into your pocket compared to state-tax jurisdictions.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,561, how does this budget hold up in the current Auburn market? We apply the 50/30/20 rule to structure your financial life.

Needs ($3,281/mo) – The Survival Baseline

This category covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• Can you afford rent? Yes, with precision.
• Market Context: The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Auburn hovers between $1,600 and $1,900.
• Purchasing Power: If you secure a unit for $1,700, you have roughly $1,581 remaining for utilities (PSE), groceries (QFC/Fred Meyer), and insurance. This is a healthy ratio. You are not "rent burdened."

Wants ($1,968/mo) – The Lifestyle Fund

This is your discretionary spending. Dining out in Auburn-Seattle corridor, streaming services, gym memberships, and nightlife.

• Analysis: This is a generous allowance. You can afford high-end entertainment in nearby Seattle without draining your "Needs" bucket. However, luxury car payments or excessive credit card debt will devour this category quickly.

Savings ($1,312/mo) – Wealth Creation

• Analysis: This is the most critical number. $1,312 monthly is $15,744 annually.
• Impact: This is enough to max out a Roth IRA and have over $9,000 left for a brokerage account or high-yield savings. This is the difference between living paycheck-to-paycheck and building actual wealth.

Auburn Taxes vs. The Competition

To understand the Auburn advantage, we must compare the "Tax Burden" on a $100k salary.

Metric	Auburn, WA	Austin, TX	New York City, NY
State Income Tax	$0	$0	~5.5% - 6.5%
Local/City Tax	$0	$0	~3.8% - 4.5%
Total Est. Tax	$0	$0	~$6,000+
Net Pay (Approx)	$78,736	$78,736	~$72,000

The Takeaway:
While Texas (Austin) also lacks a state income tax, Washington offers a distinct competitive advantage: No State Income Tax + No Local Tax.

In NYC, you would lose over $6,000 annually just to local and state levies before you even see a penny of federal deduction. In Auburn, that $6,000 stays in your investment portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Auburn, WA?
A: The total state and local income tax rate in Auburn is 0%. Washington State does not levy a tax on personal income.

Q: Is $100,000 a good salary in Auburn?
A: Yes. With a net monthly income of $6,561, you are well above the median household income for the area. This salary allows for comfortable housing, discretionary spending, and aggressive savings under the 50/30/20 budget rule.

Q: Does Auburn have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, Auburn does not impose a local city income tax on residents.

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Methodology & Sources: Calculations based on 2026 IRS Tax Tables (Single Filer, Standard Deduction), FICA rates (7.65%), and Washington State Department of Revenue data. Rent estimates derived from HUD and local MLS data. Budget structures adhere to the standard 50/30/20 financial planning rule.