Median rent is 35% lower in Fort Worth ($1,509/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $303,000 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $79,507 a year). Taken together, Fort Worth is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 110.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Fort Worth is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.5 in Fort Worth vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
Fort Worth, TX
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Fort Worth, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$81,038
You'd need $6,038 more (8% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Fort Worth
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fort Worth — median rent of $1,509/mo versus $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $303,000 in Fort Worth — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for San Diego (avg AQI 59.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.5 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,509/mo median).
Is Fort Worth cheaper than San Diego?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Fort Worth.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. Fort Worth, TX has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Fort Worth or San Diego?
Median household income is $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX and $108,077 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Fort Worth or San Diego?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my Fort Worth income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fort Worth, TX is equivalent to roughly $108,051 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
