Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs San Diego, CA

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs San Diego, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

28.2% San Diego, CA is more expensive overall
42.4% 42.4% more expensive housing
12.5% 12.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 42.4% more
Austin
118
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries 12.5% more
Austin
96
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation 20.4% more
Austin
98
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare 15.5% more
Austin
97
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Austin
99
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10313228.2% more
Housing11816842.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,30058.6% more
Median Home Price$425,000$820,00092.9% more
Groceries9610812.5% more
Transportation9811820.4% more
Healthcare9711215.5% more
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX San Diego, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Diego costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Diego to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Austin41
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Austin979,882
San Diego1,381,611

Moving from Austin to San Diego?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and San Diego → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Diego →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → San Diego vs Portland → San Diego vs Phoenix → San Diego vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 42.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or San Diego?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to San Diego?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $89,000 in San Diego. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs San Diego?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $395,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.