Is Austin, TX cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 28.5% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2135 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $124,375 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.8% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2135 per month, or $25625 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,135

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.6K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$558K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Diego, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	San Diego, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,339less	44.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $287less	18.3%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $151less	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$541/mo	↓ $92.89less	14.7%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$589/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.8%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,339

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.3%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$287

less

📦Other

↓ 8.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.7%

San Diego, CA

$634

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$92.89

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

San Diego, CA

$638

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$49.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,585

↓ $980

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,685

↓ $1,070

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,995

↓ $1,365

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,525

↓ $1,950

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,039

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Austin

$980K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 43% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.