Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Oakland, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Oakland

California
195

Austin is 31% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,655/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 16%
$91,461/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 6%
$512,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 80%
$1,747/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 24%
967,862
Population
438,072

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $5,908/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Oakland — common questions

Is Austin or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Oakland?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Oakland?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $5,908/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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