San Francisco vs Austin: Cost of Living Comparison
The San Francisco-to-Austin migration wave has reshaped both cities over the past five years, as tech workers discovered they could buy a house in Austin for the price of a studio apartment in the Bay Area. Tesla, Oracle, and countless startups have relocated headquarters or opened major offices in Austin, making this one of the most common corporate relocation paths in the country. The savings are dramatic across housing, taxes, and daily expenses, though Austin's rapid growth has narrowed the gap faster than most expected.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Austin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 179 | 123 | Austin |
| Housing | 272 | 151 | Austin |
| Groceries | 113 | 97 | Austin |
| Transportation | 128 | 103 | Austin |
| Utilities | 127 | 101 | Austin |
Index values relative to national average of 100. Lower is cheaper.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: San Francisco vs Austin
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in San Francisco are worth in Austin -- and vice versa.
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $34,358 | $-15,642 |
| $75,000 | $51,536 | $-23,464 |
| $100,000 | $68,715 | $-31,285 |
| $150,000 | $103,073 | $-46,927 |
Austin is cheaper, so you need less income to maintain your standard of living. A negative difference means you keep more purchasing power.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Austin wins): Housing is 80% more expensive in San Francisco than Austin. San Francisco has a housing index of 272 vs 151. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Austin wins): Grocery costs in San Francisco (index 113) are higher than Austin (index 97). San Francisco is above the national average while Austin is below.
Transportation (Austin wins): Transportation costs index 128 in San Francisco vs 103 in Austin. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The 25-point gap can add up, especially for commuters.
Utilities (Austin wins): Utilities cost more in San Francisco (index 127) than Austin (index 101). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role -- cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Planning a Move from San Francisco to Austin?
Cost of living is just one piece of the puzzle. Use our free calculator to estimate your total moving costs -- movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, storage, and everything in between.
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FAQ -- San Francisco vs Austin Cost of Living
Is San Francisco or Austin more expensive to live in?
San Francisco is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 179 compared to 123 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where San Francisco costs 121 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in San Francisco vs Austin?
Housing in San Francisco has an index of 272 compared to 151 in Austin. That's 80% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in San Francisco worth in Austin?
A $100,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $68,715 in Austin. This means you would need to earn less in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in San Francisco or Austin?
Groceries are cheaper in Austin, with an index of 97 compared to 113 in San Francisco. The national average is 100, so one city is above and one is below the national average.
Should I move from San Francisco to Austin to save money?
Moving from San Francisco to Austin could save you money, as Austin's overall cost of living index is 56 points lower. However, consider your specific situation -- salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.