Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Dallas is 36% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $48,281 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $490,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Dallas scores 97 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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