Austin, TX vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Austin, TX and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Austin, TX by about 15.9% (RPP 98.8 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Austin, TX
-> $69,534
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Austin, TX
-> $115,891
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Austin, TX
-> $173,836
in San Diego, CA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Austin, TX?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) by about 15.9%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Austin, TX?
- You would need approximately $115,891 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 98.8).