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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Irving

Texas
102

San Diego is 93% more expensive than Irving.

$2,223/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↓ 32%
$104,321/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↓ 24%
$848,500 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 66%
$2,308/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 34%
1,385,061
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $706/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $8,472/year.

Median household income is $24,680/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Irving — common questions

Is San Diego or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Irving?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $706/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Irving?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $24,680/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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Irving details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Irving

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 Irving vs. Laredo Irving vs. Chesapeake Irving vs. St. Petersburg Irving vs. Winston-Salem Irving vs. Lubbock Irving vs. Glendale