Is Austin, TX cheaper than South San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 34.8% cheaper than South San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $2612 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in South San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $118,656.85 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 51.2% cheaper than in South San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,687/month in South San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from South San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2612 per month, or $31343 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South San Francisco, CA — COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area + state data

Current salary in South San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.7K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,612

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.3K

Per year

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

South San Francisco, CA

Population:63K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$575K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$558K

South San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

63K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 63K 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: South San Francisco, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	South San Francisco, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,914/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $3,029less	51.2%
🚗Transportation	$2,067/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $783less	37.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,134/mo	$959/mo	↓ $175less	15.4%
🏥Healthcare	$691/mo	$589/mo	↓ $103less	14.9%
⚡All Utilities	$439/mo	$541/mo	↑ $102more	23.4%
📦Other	$1,796/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $54.81less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.2%

South San Francisco, CA

$5,914

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$3,029

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.9%

South San Francisco, CA

$2,067

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$783

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.4%

South San Francisco, CA

$1,134

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$175

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

South San Francisco, CA

$691

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$103

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.4%

South San Francisco, CA

$439

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$102

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

South San Francisco, CA

$1,796

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$54.81

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,791

To$1,585

↓ $206

1 Bed

From$2,117

To$1,685

↓ $432

2 Bed

From$2,687

To$1,995

↓ $692

3 Bed

From$3,908

To$2,525

↓ $1,383

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.

$12,041

Monthly in South San Francisco, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$4,043

Difference

Home Values

South San Francisco

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

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

South San Francisco, 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

South San Francisco, 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.