San Francisco vs Austin: Cost of Living & Salary Comparison
How do San Francisco and Austin stack up for professionals? We compare salaries, rent, taxes, and overall quality of life to help you make an informed decision.
San Francisco
Austin
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 72 | +46% (lower is better) |
| Median Salary | $95,000 | $70,000 | |
| Rent (1BR) | $3,400 | $1,800 | (/month) |
| Rent (2BR) | $4,800 | $2,500 | (/month) |
| Groceries Index | 98 | 80 | +23% (NYC=100) |
| Transport Monthly | $110 | $65 | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 30% | 24% | (at median income) |
| Purchasing Power | 108 | 108 | +0% (higher is better) |
Salary Comparison by Role
| Role | San Francisco | Austin | Difference |
|---|
Austin Offers Better Purchasing Power
Austin has a purchasing power index of 108 compared to 108 for San Francisco. Austin is also cheaper to live in, making it a stronger choice from a pure economic standpoint. It's also a top tech hub (score: 8/10).
Common Questions
Based on cost of living indices, San Francisco (105) is more expensive compared to Austin (72), where NYC = 100.
To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately $69,000 in Austin to match $100,000 in San Francisco.
San Francisco has a tech hub score of 10/10 while Austin scores 8/10. San Francisco generally offers more tech opportunities.
Based on purchasing power, Austin offers better value. This accounts for both salary levels and cost of living.
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Last updated: 2026-02-19 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.