🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 San Francisco

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Austin

United States

$2,523–$3,995/mo

$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)

🇺🇸

San Francisco

United States

$3,385–$5,359/mo

$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)

San Francisco is 34% more expensive

Austin wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAustin (USD)San Francisco (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,892–$2,944$2,538–$3,949🟢 Austin
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$999–$1,577$1,340–$2,115🟢 Austin
Utilities$79–$152$106–$204🟢 Austin
Groceries$399–$599$536–$804🟢 Austin
Eating out (mid-range meal)$53–$95$71–$127🟢 Austin
Public transport (monthly)$100–$121$134–$162🟢 Austin
Internet & Mobile$32–$53$42–$71🟢 Austin
Gym membership$37–$68$49–$92🟢 Austin
Cinema ticket$15–$19$20–$25🟢 Austin
Monthly total (single)$2,523–$3,995$3,385–$5,359🟢 Austin

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.8 / 10 · 2.2 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Safety9.1 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Education8.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Environment9.5 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Culture8.4 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
San Francisco

Who should choose which city?

Choose Austin if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
  • No state income tax
  • Music scene
  • Startups
  • Tech transplants

Choose San Francisco if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Austin
  • Tech salaries
  • Innovation
  • Climate
  • Tech workers

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Full Austin guide

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Full San Francisco guide

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Explore San Francisco