San Diego vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
San Diego's median home value is $783,300 — 70% higher than Austin's $461,500.
San Diego's median household income runs $98,657, against $86,556 in Austin.
Median rent is $2,080 in San Diego, compared with $1,549 in Austin.
San Diego's FEMA hazard rating (Very High) is higher than Austin's (Relatively High) — worth noting if climate risk factors into your decision.
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,987 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $783,300 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $98,657 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $2,080 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Austin, TX comes out ahead on housing affordability versus San Diego, CA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.