Cost of Living: Houston vs San Diego (2026)

Houston vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 13% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $113,442 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 13% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $113,442 in San Diego.

Houston vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricHoustonSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99112+13%
Median rent$1,313$2,223+69%
Median home value$253,400$848,500+235%
Median household income$62,894$104,321+66%

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 Houston has the same buying power as about $113,442 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $88,151 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston 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 99 — a 13% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $113,442 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.