Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 49.2% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $3692 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $194,300.518 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 138.4% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $3692 more per month than Houston, TX, or $44301 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.7K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $194.3K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 49.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,692

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$44.3K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:149

Median Home:$980K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs San Diego, CA

Category	Houston, TX	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $3,033more	138.4%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $168more	18.4%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $124more	7.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $122more	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$634/mo	↑ $81.42more	14.7%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$638/mo	↑ $76.21more	13.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 138.4%

Houston, TX

$2,191

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$3,033

🛒Groceries

↑ 18.4%

Houston, TX

$911

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$168

📦Other

↑ 7.0%

Houston, TX

$1,768

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$124

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.4%

Houston, TX

$1,449

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$122

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.7%

Houston, TX

$552

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$81.42

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.6%

Houston, TX

$562

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$76.21

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$2,565

↑ $1,345

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$2,755

↑ $1,495

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$3,360

↑ $1,860

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$4,475

↑ $2,455

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,604

Difference

Home Values

Houston

San Diego

$245K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 299% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

Houston, 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

Houston, 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.