Moving from San Jose, CA to Austin, TX
Thinking about moving from San Jose, CA to Austin, TX? Here's how the cost of living compares if you're relocating from San Jose, CA to Austin, TX. This guide breaks down housing, income, taxes, and climate using the latest US government data so you can plan your relocation budget with realistic numbers rather than guesswork.
Salary calculator
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from San Jose, CA?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Housing
Median rent is 37% lower in Austin ($1,655) than in San Jose ($2,617). The typical home value is 57% lower in Austin ($512,700) than in San Jose ($1,187,800). Factor in moving costs, deposits, and the gap between advertised and median rents when you set a housing budget.
Income & jobs
Median household income is 35% lower in Austin ($91,461) than in San Jose ($141,565).
Taxes
The top state income tax rate is 100% lower in Austin (0.00%) than in San Jose (13.30%). State sales tax is 14% lower in Austin (6.25%) than in San Jose (7.25%). Remember that local taxes and your specific bracket change the real picture (Tax Foundation, 2024).
Climate & air quality
Average air quality index is 10% lower in Austin (47.0) than in San Jose (52.0). Lower AQI means cleaner air on a typical day, though seasonal wildfire smoke and pollen can shift this.
Frequently asked questions
How much is rent in Austin, TX?
The median gross rent in Austin is $1,655 per month (US Census ACS).
What salary do you need in Austin, TX?
Median household income in Austin is $91,461. Use the salary calculator on this page to convert your current San Jose pay into the equivalent you'd need in Austin.