Is Austin, TX cheaper than San Luis Obispo, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 4.5% cheaper than San Luis Obispo, CA. This translates to saving $341 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in San Luis Obispo, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Luis Obispo, CA, you'd need approximately $145,905.537 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Luis Obispo, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 18.2% cheaper than in San Luis Obispo, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,775/month in San Luis Obispo, CA.

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

Moving from San Luis Obispo, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $341 per month, or $4094 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Luis Obispo, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 San Luis Obispo, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $341/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$341

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.1K

Per year

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

San Luis Obispo, CA

Population:49K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.06M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$558K

San Luis Obispo, CA

The Golden State

49K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 49K 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: San Luis Obispo, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	San Luis Obispo, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,526/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $642less	18.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,595/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $311less	19.5%
📦Other	$1,460/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $281more	19.2%
🏥Healthcare	$474/mo	$589/mo	↑ $115more	24.2%
🛒Groceries	$893/mo	$959/mo	↑ $65.85more	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$541/mo	↑ $61.80more	12.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.2%

San Luis Obispo, CA

$3,526

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$642

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.5%

San Luis Obispo, CA

$1,595

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$311

less

📦Other

↑ 19.2%

San Luis Obispo, CA

$1,460

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$281

🏥Healthcare

↑ 24.2%

San Luis Obispo, CA

$474

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$115

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.4%

San Luis Obispo, CA

$893

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$65.85

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.9%

San Luis Obispo, CA

$479

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$61.80

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,225

To$1,585

↑ $360

1 Bed

From$1,354

To$1,685

↑ $331

2 Bed

From$1,775

To$1,995

↑ $220

3 Bed

From$2,381

To$2,525

↑ $144

San Luis Obispo, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,100–$2,210/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.

$8,428

Monthly in San Luis Obispo, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$430

Difference

Home Values

San Luis Obispo

Austin

$1.06M

Median Value

$558K

↑ +3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +35.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.05M - $1.06M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 47% less expensive than San Luis Obispo

Calculate payment - San Luis Obispo 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

San Luis Obispo, 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

San Luis Obispo, 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.