Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 14.1% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 49% (179.3 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $65,736 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Diego | Austin | San Diego vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 98.1 | +14.1% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 93.8 | +15.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 120.4 | +48.9% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 82.0 | +112.4% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 96.2 | +3.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 99.6 | +14.2% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in Austin | $43,824 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in Austin | $87,647 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in Austin | $131,471 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.