San Jose vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
San Jose's median home value is $1,149,600 — 149% higher than Austin's $461,500.
Median household income is $136,010 in San Jose versus $86,556 in Austin.
Typical rent runs $2,526 in San Jose and $1,549 in Austin.
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,001,176 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $1,149,600 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $136,010 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $2,526 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
On housing costs, Austin, TX looks more affordable than San Jose, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.