Kept

City vs city

Austin vs San Francisco

$100,000 in Austin buys a lifestyle closer to $150,000 in San Francisco, because San Francisco's cost-of-living index is 178 versus 119.

Austin

No state income tax. Rents fell from the 2022 peak but remain above most Texas metros.

COL index
119
Typical 1-bed
$1,650/mo
Comfortable salary
$101,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Austin guide

San Francisco

Tech wages are high, but housing absorbs a large share of even six-figure take-home pay.

COL index
178
Typical 1-bed
$3,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$151,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Francisco guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego