ReloMath

Dallas, TX vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Dallas, TX and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Dallas, TX

TX

Overall RPP (US=100)
103.5
Housing RPP
116.3
Goods RPP
102.2
2-BR median rent
$1,758/mo

Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~1.8-2.2% 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 Dallas, TX by about 10.6% (RPP 103.5 to 114.5).

$60,000 in Dallas, TX

-> $66,377

in San Diego, CA

$100,000 in Dallas, TX

-> $110,628

in San Diego, CA

$150,000 in Dallas, TX

-> $165,942

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 Dallas, TX?
San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Dallas, TX (RPP 103.5) by about 10.6%.
What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Dallas, TX?
You would need approximately $110,628 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Dallas, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 103.5).