Is Austin, TX cheaper than San Mateo, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 35.5% cheaper than San Mateo, CA. This translates to saving $2664 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Mateo, CA, you'd need approximately $118,034.166 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 51.7% cheaper than in San Mateo, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $3,686/month in San Mateo, CA.

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

Moving from San Mateo, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2664 per month, or $31966 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in San Mateo, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,664

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.0K

Per year

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

San Mateo, CA

Population:101K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.02M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$558K

San Mateo, CA

The Golden State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 101K 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 Mateo, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	San Mateo, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,977/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,093less	51.7%
🚗Transportation	$2,089/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $805less	38.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,140/mo	$959/mo	↓ $181less	15.9%
🏥Healthcare	$695/mo	$589/mo	↓ $106less	15.3%
⚡All Utilities	$441/mo	$541/mo	↑ $100more	22.7%
📦Other	$1,815/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $74.08less	4.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.7%

San Mateo, CA

$5,977

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,093

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.5%

San Mateo, CA

$2,089

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$805

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.9%

San Mateo, CA

$1,140

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$181

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

San Mateo, CA

$695

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$106

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.7%

San Mateo, CA

$441

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$100

📦Other

↓ 4.1%

San Mateo, CA

$1,815

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$74.08

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,543

To$1,585

↓ $958

1 Bed

From$3,045

To$1,685

↓ $1,360

2 Bed

From$3,686

To$1,995

↓ $1,691

3 Bed

From$4,707

To$2,525

↓ $2,182

San Mateo, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,670–$3,730/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.

$12,158

Monthly in San Mateo, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,160

Difference

Home Values

San Mateo

Austin

$2.02M

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +21%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.73M - $2.32M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 72% less expensive than San Mateo

Calculate payment - San Mateo 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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.