San Francisco, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 126.8
- Housing RPP
- 176.4
- Goods RPP
- 105.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,050/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). No city income tax.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.2
- Housing RPP
- 113.8
- Goods RPP
- 99.4
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,650/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Austin, TX is cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 18.6% (RPP 126.8 to 103.2).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $48,833
in Austin, TX
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $81,388
in Austin, TX
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $122,082
in Austin, TX
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 Austin, TX cheaper or more expensive than San Francisco, CA?
- Austin, TX (RPP 103.2) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 126.8) by about 18.6%.
- What salary do I need in Austin, TX if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $81,388 in Austin, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.2 / 126.8).