A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX.
CA
Population: 808,988
TX
Population: 979,882
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Austin, TX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 190 | 110 | +72.7% |
| Median Home Price | $1,200,000 | $425,000 | +182.4% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.74% | 1.68% | -56.0% |
| Median Household Income | $126,187 | $80,954 | +55.9% |
| Population | 808,988 | 979,882 | -17.4% |
Austin, TX is 72.7% cheaper to live in than San Francisco, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$775,000
Austin, TX is cheaper by 182.4%
Income Difference
$45,233
San Francisco, CA earns more by 55.9%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
San Francisco, CA
9.5x
$1,200,000 / $126,187
Austin, TX
5.2x
$425,000 / $80,954
Overall, Austin, TX is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 110 compared to 190, a median home price of $425,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 5.2x, Austin, TX offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in San Francisco, CA ($126,187) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.