Median rent is 26% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $2,223/mo). Buying is cheaper in Austin, where the median home runs $512,700 versus $848,500. Households earn more in San Diego ($104,321 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 114.6 — about 14% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Austin is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 114.6 in San Diego (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$87,008
You'd need $12,008 more (16% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
San Diego
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Austin — median rent of $1,655/mo versus $2,223/mo in San Diego, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $848,500 versus $512,700 in Austin — 40% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
San Diego
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 84.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 114.6).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($104,321/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Is Austin cheaper than San Diego?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 114.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $2,223/mo in San Diego, CA. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or San Diego?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $104,321 in San Diego, CA. San Diego, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 84.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or San Diego?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $116,011 in San Diego, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology