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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Fort Worth

Texas
97

San Diego is 103% more expensive than Fort Worth.

$2,223/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 36%
$104,321/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$76,602/yr ↓ 27%
$848,500 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$277,300 ↓ 67%
$2,308/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,489/mo ↓ 35%
1,385,061
Population
941,311

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
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Fort Worth, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $27,719/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $277,300 in Fort Worth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Fort Worth — common questions

Is San Diego or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Fort Worth it's $1,412/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $76,602 in Fort Worth. Median household income is $27,719/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 Fort Worth?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Fort Worth details →

More Comparisons

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