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San Diego vs Dallas

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Dallas is 37% cheaper than San Diego overall.San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 vs Dallas at 103 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Diego costs 58% more.

Pierre
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San Diego
CA
163
COLI index
VS
Dallas
TX
103
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan DiegoDallasDifference
Overall COLI163103-37%
Housing295125-58%
Groceries113104-8%
Transport114107-6%
Healthcare106102-4%
Utilities121110-9%

Median 1BR Rent

San Diego
$2,350/mo
Dallas
$1,550/mo

Median Home Price

San Diego
$870,000
Dallas
$320,000

Median Household Income

San Diego
$83,454
Dallas
$57,537

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas is cheaper to live in overall. San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 while Dallas has an index of 103, where 100 represents the US national average. Dallas is 37% cheaper than San Diego overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Diego is $2,350 per month compared to $1,550 in Dallas. The median home price in San Diego is $870,000 versus $320,000 in Dallas. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Diego has a cost of living index of 163 and Dallas has an index of 103, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in San Diego, multiply by 0.63. For example a $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to approximately $47,393 in Dallas.

San Diego has a median household income of $83,454 per year versus $57,537 in Dallas. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from San Diego to Dallas is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Dallas is 37% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.