Austin vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Austin's homes carry a median value of $461,500, which is 66% lower than the $1,348,700 median value in San Francisco.
On median household income, Austin posts $86,556 while San Francisco posts $136,689.
Typical rent runs $1,549 in Austin and $2,316 in San Francisco.
San Francisco carries a higher hazard rating than Austin, per FEMA — Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Austin, TX | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 958,202 | 851,036 |
| Median home value | $461,500 | $1,348,700 |
| Median household income | $86,556 | $136,689 |
| Median gross rent | $1,549 | $2,316 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Austin, TX compared with San Francisco, CA: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
Moving between Austin and San Francisco
Austin and San Francisco are 1,530 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | Austin → San Francisco | San Francisco → Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$767/mo (+50%) | −$767/mo (−33%) |
| Median home value | +$887,200 (+192%) | −$887,200 (−66%) |
| Median household income | +$50,133 (+58%) | −$50,133 (−37%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $1,933 – $3,087 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $4,300 – $6,802 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $7,097 – $11,179 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
Austin, TX San Francisco, CA
1,760 miles estimated driving distance · 29.3 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$2,258 – $2,876
Includes an estimated $616 in fuel (176 gal at ~10 mpg) over 4 driving days.
Professional Movers
$8,050 – $15,010
Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.
Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.