Is Austin or San Francisco more affordable?
Austin has a median rent of $1,415/month, while San Francisco is $2,130/month. Austin is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Austin, TX vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Austin and San Francisco.
3
Austin wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Francisco wins
TX
Austin
vs
CA
San Francisco
Overview
944,658
Population
865,933
$78,965
Median Income
+59.8%$126,187✓
Cost of Living
$1,415✓
Median Rent / mo
+50.5%$2,130
$381,400✓
Median Home Price
+213.2%$1,194,500
22%
Rent-to-Income %
20%
Taxes
None✓
State Income Tax
13.30%
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate & Weather
71.28°F
Avg High Temp
55.62°F
68.16°F
Avg Low Temp
48.76°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
N/A
N/A
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Who should choose
Austin, TX
Austin is a city in Texas with a population of 944,658.
Read full Austin guide →Who should choose
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a city in California with a population of 865,933.
Read full San Francisco guide →Austin vs San Francisco — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Austin or San Francisco?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a 13.30% state income tax. Austin wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Austin and San Francisco?
Avg high in Austin: 71.28°F. Avg high in San Francisco: 55.62°F
Which city is better for families — Austin or San Francisco?
Austin. San Francisco. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.