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

San Diego

California
197
VS

College Station

Texas
91

San Diego is 116% more expensive than College Station.

$2,223/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 47%
$104,321/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 50%
$848,500 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 62%
$2,308/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 46%
1,385,061
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,055/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $12,660/year.

Median household income is $52,545/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs College Station — common questions

Is San Diego or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and College Station?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $1,055/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or College Station?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $52,545/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and College Station

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette