Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Fort Worth is 41% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $44,531 in Fort Worth.
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. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $530,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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