Austin vs San Francisco Cost of Living in 2025: How Much Salary Do You Need?

According to our cost-of-living calculator, you’d need roughly 26.4% more salary to maintain the same lifestyle in San Francisco as in Austin in 2025.

Overall Cost of Living Index

Austin’s cost of living excluding rent is 30.9% lower than the U.S. average¹.

Including rent, Austin remains 33.6% more affordable than the national average².

In contrast, San Francisco’s cost of living including rent is 50.6% higher than the U.S. average³.

Housing: Rent Comparison

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom in Austin is about $1,436, compared to roughly $2,761 in San Francisco⁴.

This gap means rents in Austin are over 92% lower than in San Francisco⁵.

Housing: Buying a Home

In February 2025, the median sale price of a home in Austin was $513,000⁶.

Meanwhile, San Francisco’s median home price hovered around $1,400,000⁷.

Transportation

A single-ride fare on Austin’s Capital Metro costs $1.25, with a monthly pass at $41.25⁸.

In San Francisco, a Muni one-way ticket is $2.75 and a monthly pass ranges from $85 to $102⁹.

Groceries & Dining

Grocery prices in San Francisco are about 26.1% higher than in Austin¹⁰.

Dining out costs are 37.5% more expensive in San Francisco versus Austin¹¹.

Utilities

Monthly utilities in Austin average around $338 for electricity, water, gas, and internet¹².

San Francisco utilities run about 10–15% higher due to rates and climate¹².

Taxes

Texas has no state income tax, which can save you thousands annually¹³.

California’s top state income tax rate is 13.3%, one of the highest in the U.S.¹⁴.

Salary Comparison: What You Need to Earn

To match a $100,000 salary in Austin, you’d need about $126,400 in San Francisco (a +26.4% adjustment).

Quality of Life Factors Beyond Cost

San Francisco offers a world-class public transit network and walkable neighborhoods, plus coastal access and dense cultural amenities.

Austin boasts more affordable housing, a booming tech scene, live-music culture, and no state income tax—all on a warmer year-round climate.

Explore Further with Our Tools

Try our Comparison Results, Time Machine, Money Stretch, and Culture Shock features to dive deeper into how your move will affect every aspect of your life.