salaryHouston is 13% 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
$1,533
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$131
👥 People living there
2,328,253
1,389,526
Commute to work
27.2 min
23.5 min
College degree
36.6%
51%
Own their home
42.1%
47.3%
Below poverty line
19.9%
11%
Unemployment
6.9%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $35,850 | +62% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $97,000 | +50% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $110,400 | +48% in San Diego |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $73,200 | +47% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $139,520 | +40% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,050 | $46,440 | +32% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $59,180 | $76,160 | +29% in San Diego |
| HVAC Technician | $58,940 | $74,880 | +27% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $68,065 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Houston or San Diego?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $116,561 in San Diego, 40% more in San Diego.