Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 39.8% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $2985 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $185,825.243 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 81.1% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2985 more per month than Austin, TX, or $35825 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.8K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 39.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,985

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:140

Median Home:$980K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs San Diego, CA

Category	Austin, TX	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,339more	81.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $287more	22.3%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $151more	8.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$634/mo	↑ $92.89more	17.2%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$638/mo	↑ $49.57more	8.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 81.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,339

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.3%

Austin, TX

$1,284

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$287

📦Other

↑ 8.7%

Austin, TX

$1,741

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$151

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Austin, TX

$959

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$120

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.2%

Austin, TX

$541

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$92.89

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.4%

Austin, TX

$589

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$49.57

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$2,565

↑ $980

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$2,755

↑ $1,070

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$3,360

↑ $1,365

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$4,475

↑ $1,950

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,039

Difference

Home Values

Austin

San Diego

$558K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 76% more expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.