🇺🇸 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
| Category | Austin (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
You might also like…
📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →