Is Houston, TX cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 33.0% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2474 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $120,312.5 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 58.1% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $2474 per month, or $29688 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.3K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 33.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,474

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.7K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$245K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Diego, CA vs Houston, TX

Category	San Diego, CA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $3,033less	58.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$911/mo	↓ $168less	15.6%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $124less	6.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $122less	7.7%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$552/mo	↓ $81.42less	12.8%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$562/mo	↓ $76.21less	11.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.1%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$3,033

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$168

less

📦Other

↓ 6.5%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$124

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$122

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.8%

San Diego, CA

$634

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$81.42

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.9%

San Diego, CA

$638

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$76.21

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,220

↓ $1,345

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,260

↓ $1,495

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,500

↓ $1,860

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,020

↓ $2,455

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$3,604

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Houston

$980K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 75% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Houston

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

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

Additional Tax Information

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Houston, 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.