Quick answer
Overall prices in the Austin, TX metro were 98.1 vs 110.4 in San Jose, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Austin is 11.2% less expensive than San Jose; housing rents differ by 43% (120.4 vs 211.9). A $75,000 income in Austin buys about what $84,451 buys in San Jose, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Austin | San Jose | Austin vs San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.1 | 110.4 | -11.2% |
| Goods | 93.8 | 105.2 | -10.9% |
| Housing (rents) | 120.4 | 211.9 | -43.2% |
| Utilities | 82.0 | 156.7 | -47.6% |
| Other services | 96.2 | 100.3 | -4.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.6 | 119.3 | -16.5% |
| $50,000 in Austin equals in San Jose | $56,300 | ||
| $100,000 in Austin equals in San Jose | $112,601 | ||
| $150,000 in Austin equals in San Jose | $168,901 |
Related
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- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Austin, TX (2024)
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- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs Austin, TX (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.