Austin, TX vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Austin, TX and San Jose, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
San Jose, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 233.3
- Goods RPP
- 108.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,132/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Jose, CA is more expensive than Austin, TX by about 16.7% (RPP 98.8 to 115.3).
$60,000 in Austin, TX
-> $70,020
in San Jose, CA
$100,000 in Austin, TX
-> $116,700
in San Jose, CA
$150,000 in Austin, TX
-> $175,051
in San Jose, CA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Jose, CA cheaper or more expensive than Austin, TX?
- San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) is more expensive than Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) by about 16.7%.
- What salary do I need in San Jose, CA if I earn $100,000 in Austin, TX?
- You would need approximately $116,700 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (115.3 / 98.8).