Kept

City vs city

San Francisco vs Austin

$100,000 in San Francisco buys a lifestyle closer to $67,000 in Austin, because Austin's cost-of-living index is 119 versus 178.

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

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

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diegovs Irvine