Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 42.6% more expensive than Dallas, TX. This translates to spending an extra $3193 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $188,316.832 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 118.5% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $3193 more per month than Dallas, TX, or $38317 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.2K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $188.3K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 42.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,193

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$38.3K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:143

Median Home:$980K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs San Diego, CA

Category	Dallas, TX	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,833more	118.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $273more	21.1%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $117more	6.6%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $99.93more	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$634/mo	↑ $71.03more	12.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$638/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 118.5%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,833

🚗Transportation

↑ 21.1%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$273

📦Other

↑ 6.6%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$117

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.2%

Dallas, TX

$979

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$99.93

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.6%

Dallas, TX

$563

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$71.03

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Dallas, TX

$632

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$2,565

↑ $1,115

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$2,755

↑ $1,250

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$3,360

↑ $1,595

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$4,475

↑ $2,255

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,400

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

San Diego

$292K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 236% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.