Cost of Living: Austin vs San Diego (2026)

Austin vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 14% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $114,094 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 14% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $114,094 in San Diego.

Austin vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricAustinSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)98112+14%
Median rent$1,655$2,223+34%
Median home value$512,700$848,500+66%
Median household income$91,461$104,321+14%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Austin has the same buying power as about $114,094 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $87,647 in Austin.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Austin and San Diego.

Compare any salary: Austin vs San Diego

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 112 vs 98 — a 14% difference. Your money goes further in Austin.

About $114,094 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin.