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

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

27.3% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
45.2% 45.2% cheaper housing
13.0% 13.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 45.2% cheaper
San Diego
168
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 13.0% cheaper
San Diego
108
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
San Diego
118
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 15.2% cheaper
San Diego
112
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities ~Same
San Diego
104
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Diego, CA Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1329627.3% less
Housing1689245.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,300$1,20047.8% less
Median Home Price$820,000$295,00064.0% less
Groceries1089413.0% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1129515.2% less
Utilities104106~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Diego, CA Houston, TX
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Houston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: San Diego (132) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Diego4.0%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Diego2.9%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Diego25 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
San Diego51
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
San Diego45
Houston52
Avg Temperature
San Diego64°F
Houston70°F
Population
San Diego1,381,611
Houston2,304,580

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Diego or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 45.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Diego vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,300/month in San Diego and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $1,100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Diego or Houston?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 San Diego to Houston?+
Median household income in San Diego is $89,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 San Diego vs Houston?+
The median home price in San Diego is $820,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $525,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Texas averages 1.60%.