Cost of Living: Austin vs San Jose (2026)

Austin vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 13% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $112,601 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 13% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $112,601 in San Jose.

Austin vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricAustinSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)98110+13%
Median rent$1,655$2,617+58%
Median home value$512,700$1,187,800+132%
Median household income$91,461$141,565+55%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Austin has the same buying power as about $112,601 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $88,809 in Austin.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Austin and San Jose.

Compare any salary: Austin vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 110 vs 98 — a 13% difference. Your money goes further in Austin.

About $112,601 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin.