Austin is 18% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$104
👥 People living there
979,539
830,235
Commute to work
23.7 min
30.4 min
College degree
59.6%
60.3%
Own their home
43.4%
38.2%
Below poverty line
12%
11.2%
Unemployment
4.7%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $58,830 | $113,700 | +93% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $97,890 | $186,610 | +91% in San Francisco |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $89,200 | +77% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,050 | $219,080 | +71% in San Francisco |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $101,860 | +66% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $82,290 | $132,000 | +60% in San Francisco |
| Electrician | $60,390 | $92,830 | +54% in San Francisco |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,460 | $123,250 | +53% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $70,736 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Austin or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $152,036 in San Francisco, 34% more in San Francisco.