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Austin vs San Diego: which is cheaper?

Austin is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $68,456 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

Pay for the same job

JobAustinSan DiegoDifference
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.

More comparisons

All Austin comparisons → · All San Diego comparisons →

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