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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

San Diego is 61% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,223/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 23%
$104,321/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 7%
$848,500 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 55%
$2,308/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 23%
1,385,061
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $7,134/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Round Rock — common questions

Is San Diego or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Round Rock?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Round Rock?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $7,134/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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

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