Kept

City vs city

Austin vs San Jose

$100,000 in Austin buys a lifestyle closer to $145,000 in San Jose, because San Jose's cost-of-living index is 172 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 Jose

The heart of Silicon Valley. Home prices are among the highest in the country.

COL index
172
Typical 1-bed
$2,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$146,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Jose guide

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