Cost of Living: Fort Worth vs San Diego (2026)

Fort Worth vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 9% more expensive than Fort Worth overall — $100,000 in Fort Worth is worth about $108,533 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 9% more expensive than Fort Worth overall — $100,000 in Fort Worth is worth about $108,533 in San Diego.

Fort Worth vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricFort WorthSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103112+9%
Median rent$1,412$2,223+57%
Median home value$277,300$848,500+206%
Median household income$76,602$104,321+36%

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 Fort Worth has the same buying power as about $108,533 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $92,138 in Fort Worth.

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

Compare any salary: Fort Worth 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 103 — a 9% difference. Your money goes further in Fort Worth.

About $108,533 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Fort Worth.