Quick answer
Austin is 68% cheaper than San Francisco overall. A $100K salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $32,000 in Austin.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
San Francisco vs Austin Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Austin is 68% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-41% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$32,000
San Francisco vs Austin: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,800/mo
$1,650/mo
-41%
2BR median rent
$3,800/mo
$2,100/mo
-45%
Median home price
$1,100K
$548K
-50%
Avg monthly groceries
$460
$380
-17%
Avg monthly utilities
$125
$175
+40%
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
None
Austin saves
Walk score
88/100
41/100
San Francisco better
Transit score
80/100
34/100
San Francisco better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Austin to maintain the same standard of living as your current San Francisco salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$19,000
$185,000
$80,000
$26,000
$246,000
$100,000
$32,000
$308,000
$120,000
$39,000
$369,000
$150,000
$49,000
$462,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: San Francisco vs Austin
Who Each City Is Best For
San Francisco is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓biotech professionals
- ✓high earners
- ✓urban walkability seekers
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
FAQs
Is San Francisco or Austin cheaper to live in?
Austin is 68% cheaper than San Francisco overall. Austin 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs San Francisco ($2,800/mo). Median home price: Austin $548K vs San Francisco $1,100K.
How much salary do I need in Austin to match $100K in San Francisco?
$32,000 in Austin is equivalent to $100,000 in San Francisco based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-41% difference) and state taxes (San Francisco: Up to 13.3% vs Austin: None).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Austin?
1BR: San Francisco $2,800/mo vs Austin $1,650/mo (-41%). 2BR: San Francisco $3,800/mo vs Austin $2,100/mo (-45%).
Does San Francisco or Austin have lower taxes?
San Francisco (CA) has Up to 13.3% state income tax. Austin (TX) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$13,300.