Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 17.9% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 62% (194.7 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $63,617 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Austin | San Francisco vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 98.1 | +17.9% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 93.8 | +15.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 120.4 | +61.8% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 82.0 | +110.4% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 96.2 | +10.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 99.6 | +19.6% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Austin | $42,411 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Austin | $84,823 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Austin | $127,234 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.