Median rent is 43% lower in San Antonio ($1,324/mo vs $2,313/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Antonio, where the median home runs $235,700 versus $906,700. Households earn more in San Diego ($108,077 vs $65,056 a year). Taken together, San Antonio is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.3 against 110.7 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Diego, CA.
Cost of living verdict
San Antonio is 15% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 94.3 in San Antonio vs 110.7 in San Diego (US national average = 100)
City A
San Antonio, TX
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from San Antonio, TX?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$88,050
You'd need $13,050 more (17% 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
San Antonio
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 San Antonio — median rent of $1,324/mo versus $2,313/mo in San Diego, a 43% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Diego: the median home is $906,700 versus $235,700 in San Antonio — 74% 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.
San Antonio
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego has cleaner air on average: 59.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 71.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.3 vs 110.7).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,077/yr).
Pick San Antonio if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,324/mo median).
Pick San Diego if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 59.0).
Is San Antonio cheaper than San Diego?
San Antonio is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.3 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in San Antonio.
How much is rent in San Antonio vs San Diego?
Median rent is $1,324/mo in San Antonio, TX and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. San Antonio, TX has the lower rent by about 43%.
Which has higher salaries — San Antonio or San Diego?
Median household income is $65,056 in San Antonio, 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 71.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — San Antonio 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 San Antonio income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in San Antonio, TX is equivalent to roughly $117,400 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
