Is Austin, TX cheaper than Pacifica, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 34.0% cheaper than Pacifica, CA. This translates to saving $2550 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Pacifica, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Pacifica, CA, you'd need approximately $119,397.223 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Pacifica, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.6% cheaper than in Pacifica, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $3,288/month in Pacifica, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Pacifica, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Pacifica, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2550 per month, or $30603 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pacifica, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Pacifica, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Pacifica, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,550

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Pacifica, CA

Population:36K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.22M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$558K

Pacifica, CA

The Golden State

36K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 36K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Pacifica, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Pacifica, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,840/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,956less	50.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,041/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $757less	37.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,127/mo	$959/mo	↓ $168less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$436/mo	$541/mo	↑ $105more	24.1%
🏥Healthcare	$687/mo	$589/mo	↓ $98.34less	14.3%
📦Other	$1,773/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $32.43less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.6%

Pacifica, CA

$5,840

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,956

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.1%

Pacifica, CA

$2,041

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$757

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.9%

Pacifica, CA

$1,127

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$168

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.1%

Pacifica, CA

$436

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$105

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.3%

Pacifica, CA

$687

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$98.34

less

📦Other

↓ 1.8%

Pacifica, CA

$1,773

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$32.43

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,267

To$1,585

↓ $682

1 Bed

From$2,717

To$1,685

↓ $1,032

2 Bed

From$3,288

To$1,995

↓ $1,293

3 Bed

From$4,197

To$2,525

↓ $1,672

Pacifica, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,380–$3,380/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,905

Monthly in Pacifica, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,907

Difference

Home Values

Pacifica

Austin

$1.22M

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +8%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.22M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 54% less expensive than Pacifica

Calculate payment - Pacifica Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Pacifica, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Pacifica, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.