Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
San Antonio is 44% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $42,188 in San Antonio.
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. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $550,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Antonio scores 93 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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