City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United States
COL index 78.4
United States
COL index 98.4
Austin vs San Francisco — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Austin is 20.3% cheaper than San Francisco for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Austin | Metric | San Francisco | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78.4 | Cost of living index | 98.4 | +25.5% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €41,511 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,511 | 0.0% |
| €2,180 | Rent — 1BR centre | €3,680 | +68.8% |
| €3,091 | Monthly COL (single) | €4,844 | +56.7% |
| €52,947 | PPP — net / COL | €42,185 | -20.3% |
| 17.0% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 17.0% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United States = €3,459 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in San Francisco, you would need roughly €64,258 gross in United States (≈ €4,342 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€2,180)
- −High cost of living (index 78)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (63.0%)
- −High cost of living (index 98)
- +Favourable tax rate (17.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (106.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Austin carries a lower cost-of-living index; Austin wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Austin edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Austin cheaper than San Francisco?+
Austin is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Austin 78.4, San Francisco 98.4 — a 20.3% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Austin and San Francisco?+
Austin sits at 78.4 on our COL index, San Francisco at 98.4. That works out to roughly 20.3% — Austin being the cheaper of the two.
Is Austin a good place to live compared to San Francisco?+
It depends on priorities. Austin delivers €41,511 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 17.0% effective tax rate. San Francisco delivers €41,511 at 17.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,180 vs €3,680.
How do salaries compare in Austin vs San Francisco?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in Austin and €41,511/year (€3,459/month) in San Francisco.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or San Francisco?+
United States has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United States 17.0%, United States 17.0%.