Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

San Diego is 70% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,223/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 25%
$104,321/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 5%
$848,500 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 58%
$2,308/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 27%
1,385,061
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $5,206/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Carrollton — common questions

Is San Diego or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Carrollton?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Carrollton?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $5,206/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Carrollton

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