Median rent is 41% lower in Houston ($1,361/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $277,800 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $64,813 a year). Taken together, Houston is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.7 against 110.7 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Houston is 10% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 99.7 in Houston vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
Houston, TX
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$83,277
You'd need $8,277 more (11% 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
Houston
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 Houston — median rent of $1,361/mo versus $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $277,800 in Houston — 69% 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.
Houston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Houston averages 59.0 AQI (Moderate) and San Diego averages 59.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Houston if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 99.7 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,361/mo median).
Is Houston cheaper than San Diego?
Houston is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.7 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Houston.
How much is rent in Houston vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,361/mo in Houston, TX and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Houston or San Diego?
Median household income is $64,813 in Houston, 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?
San Diego, CA has better air quality on average: 59.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Houston 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 Houston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Houston, TX is equivalent to roughly $111,036 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
