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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs San Francisco, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

43.7% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
78.0% 78.0% more expensive housing
19.8% 19.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 78.0% more
Austin
118
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 19.8% more
Austin
96
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 30.6% more
Austin
98
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 21.6% more
Austin
97
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Austin
99
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10314843.7% more
Housing11821078.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$3,000106.9% more
Median Home Price$425,000$1,250,000194.1% more
Groceries9611519.8% more
Transportation9812830.6% more
Healthcare9711821.6% more
Utilities991089.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX San Francisco, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Austin41
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Austin979,882
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and San Francisco → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Francisco →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → San Francisco vs Portland → San Francisco vs Phoenix → San Francisco vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 78.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or San Francisco?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to San Francisco?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs San Francisco?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $825,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.