Houston vs San Diego
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Houston, TX and San Diego, CA.
Houston, TX
COL Index
96
Monthly Budget
$4,800
State Tax
None
Population
2.3M
San Diego, CA
COL Index
160
Monthly Budget
$8,000
State Tax
12.3%
Population
1.4M
Houston is 67% less expensive than San Diego
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Houston | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,551 | $3,135 | -$1,584 |
| Groceries | $629 | $962 | -$333 |
| Transport | $771 | $1,232 | -$461 |
| Healthcare | $389 | $568 | -$179 |
| Utilities | $288 | $480 | -$192 |
| Other | $1,162 | $1,776 | -$614 |
| Total | $4,800 | $8,000 | -$3,200 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Houston (TX) | San Diego (CA) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $5,953 | -$5,953 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $26,773 | -$5,953 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $73,227 | +$5,953 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Houston salary is worth in San Diego (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Houston Salary | Equivalent in San Diego | San Diego Salary | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $83,333 | $50,000 | $30,000 |
| $75,000 | $125,000 | $75,000 | $45,000 |
| $100,000 | $166,667 | $100,000 | $60,000 |
| $150,000 | $250,000 | $150,000 | $90,000 |