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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

San Diego is 194% more expensive than Laredo.

$2,223/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 55%
$104,321/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 39%
$848,500 ↑ 365%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 79%
$2,308/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 54%
1,385,061
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,222/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $14,664/year.

Median household income is $41,057/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Laredo — common questions

Is San Diego or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Laredo?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $1,222/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Laredo?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $41,057/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Laredo

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 Laredo vs. St. Petersburg Laredo vs. Irving Laredo vs. Lubbock Laredo vs. Chesapeake Laredo vs. Fort Wayne Laredo vs. Winston-Salem