Austin is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$131
👥 People living there
979,539
1,389,526
Commute to work
23.7 min
23.5 min
College degree
59.6%
51%
Own their home
43.4%
47.3%
Below poverty line
12%
11%
Unemployment
4.7%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $97,000 | +58% in San Diego |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $73,200 | +46% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $97,890 | $139,520 | +43% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $82,290 | $110,400 | +34% in San Diego |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $35,850 | +32% in San Diego |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,050 | $163,860 | +28% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,810 | $46,440 | +26% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $60,390 | $76,160 | +26% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $68,456 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Austin or San Diego?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $116,561 in San Diego, 13% more in San Diego.