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

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

45.6% San Jose, CA is more expensive overall
82.2% 82.2% more expensive housing
16.7% 16.7% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 82.2% more
Austin
118
San Jose
215
🛒 Groceries 16.7% more
Austin
96
San Jose
112
🚗 Transportation 22.4% more
Austin
98
San Jose
120
🏥 Healthcare 19.6% more
Austin
97
San Jose
116
⚡ Utilities 11.1% more
Austin
99
San Jose
110

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX San Jose, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10315045.6% more
Housing11821582.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,80093.1% more
Median Home Price$425,000$1,350,000217.6% more
Groceries9611216.7% more
Transportation9812022.4% more
Healthcare9711619.6% more
Utilities9911011.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
$140,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Jose outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs San Jose (150). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
San Jose3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
San Jose3.5%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
San Jose29 min
Walk Score
Austin41
San Jose50
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
San Jose40
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
San Jose60°F
Population
Austin979,882
San Jose983,489

Moving from Austin to San Jose?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or San Jose cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 82.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs San Jose?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $2,800/month in San Jose — a difference of about $1,350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or San Jose?+
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 Jose?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $140,000 in San Jose. 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 Jose?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $1,350,000 in San Jose — a difference of $925,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.