San Francisco
Austin

San Francisco

United States
VS

Austin

United States
Estimated average living costs are ~28% lower in Austin

San Francisco

$4,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

873,965

Safety

45/100

Quality

63/100

Cost
96
Safety
45
Life
63

Austin

$2,950

avg. monthly cost

Population

979,263

Safety

52/100

Quality

65/100

Cost
72
Safety
52
Life
65

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~28% lower in Austin

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

San Francisco

$4,100

estimated per month

Austin

$2,950

estimated per month

Difference

-28.0%

Monthly savings

$1,150

Yearly savings

$13,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

San Francisco
Austin
07
Housing-42.7%
$3,950
$2,263
Food & Groceries-23.9%
$18
$14
Transportation-55.6%
$22
$10
Utilities-11.7%
$102
$90
Healthcare-27.2%
$175
$127
Entertainment-43.1%
$29
$17
Clothing-15.0%
$64
$55

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$53,963

-$21,037/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$1,900.00
-40.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,400.00$1,350.00
-43.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$6,200.00$3,500.00
-43.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$4,000.00$2,300.00
-42.5%
ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$18.00
-28.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$105.00$80.00
-23.8%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$13.00$10.00
-23.1%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.10
-21.4%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$4.50$3.40
-24.4%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.20$4.00
-23.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$5.00$3.80
-24.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$14.00$11.00
-21.4%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.80$4.80
-17.2%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$1.50
-25.0%
ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$98.00$41.25
-57.9%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$1.25
-50.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$2.75
-21.4%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.15$1.60
-25.6%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$0.88
-37.1%
ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$185.00$165.00
-10.8%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$52.00$48.00
-7.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$70.00$58.00
-17.1%
ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$260.00$190.00
-26.9%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$210.00$150.00
-28.6%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$55.00$42.00
-23.6%
ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$85.00$42.00
-50.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$17.50$13.50
-22.9%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.75$4.75
-17.4%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$9.00$6.50
-27.8%
ItemSan FranciscoAustinDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$55.00$46.00
-16.4%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$43.00$36.00
-16.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$95.00$82.00
-13.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.