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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Dallas

Texas
97

San Diego is 100% more expensive than Dallas.

$2,223/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,403/mo ↓ 37%
$104,321/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$67,760/yr ↓ 35%
$848,500 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$295,300 ↓ 65%
$2,308/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,409/mo ↓ 39%
1,385,061
Population
1,299,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Dallas, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $36,561/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $295,300 in Dallas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Dallas — common questions

Is San Diego or Dallas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Dallas?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Dallas it's $1,403/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Dallas?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $67,760 in Dallas. Median household income is $36,561/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 Dallas?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Dallas has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,403/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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