Moving from San Francisco to Austin (2026)
Austin has a COL index of 122 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 37% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Austin to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 37% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,155 |
| $50K | $31,443 |
| $60K | $37,732 |
| $75K | $47,165 |
| $80K | $50,309 |
| $100K | $62,887 |
| $120K | $75,464 |
| $150K | $94,330 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Austin
| Expense | San Francisco | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $1,800 |
| Groceries | $448 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $50 |
| Utilities | $160 | $170 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $2,284 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Austin has a cost of living index of 122 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 37% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Austin?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Austin could save roughly $1,921/month on core expenses. That's ~$23,052/year.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $47,165/year in Austin. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only