Houston, Texas, and San Diego, California, are two vibrant cities in the United States. Houston, known for its robust energy industry and down-home Southern charm, contrasts with San Diego's oceanfront beauty and laid-back California lifestyle. Both cities offer unique blend of culture, food, industries, and outdoor activities. However, there are crucial differences to note whether one is considering a lifestyle change or simply planning a trip, such as weather, crime rates, cost of living, public facilities, and taxes.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
San Diego, CA : 1,299.6 miles
Houston's population is larger by 66%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of San Diego has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) during that time.
Houston's crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, with property crime being more typical than violent crime, while San Diego has one of the lowest crime rates for a major US city. Houston has been actively working to reduce crime rates with a more extensive police force. While both cities have neighbourhoods with higher crime rates, tourists tend to visit safer areas, and residents may choose their homes accordingly. Generally, San Diego is considered safer overall.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 7,873 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 1,334 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in San Diego is 1,054 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Houston than that in San Diego.
Cost of Living
San Diego has a higher cost of living than Houston, primarily due to housing costs. While both cities offer a wide range of amenities and activities, income doesn't stretch as far in San Diego as it does in Houston. This is an essential consideration for those thinking about relocating, as the financial differences can be significant.
Income Tax
As stated before, Texas, including Houston, does not levy a state income tax, while California, including San Diego, does so on a sliding scale depending upon income level.
Property Tax
Both cities have significant property taxes. Houston, in a state with no income tax, relies heavily on property taxes, while San Diego's property taxes represent a slightly smaller percentage of home value.
Sales Tax
Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax, which counties can raise up to 8.25%. On the other hand, California has a state income tax that varies based on income and a 7.25% state sales tax which can increase to 9.75% with city and county additions.
Income
Type
Houston
San Diego
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$93,042
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$48,380
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
126.4
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $65,021 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is a picturesque city on the Pacific coast, with mountains to the east. It offers beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Houston is a coastal plain near the Gulf of Mexico. Its flat topography is interspersed with many parks, though it is not as geographically diversified as San Diego.
San Diego hosts a host of well-regarded public and private schools, as well as several colleges and universities, including the University of California, San Diego. Houston also boasts a variety of educational options, including the renowned private Rice University and the large public University of Houston. Both cities are well-set for educational opportunities.
Houston's major industries include energy, aeronautics, and healthcare, while San Diego's economy is driven by tourism, international trade, and military/defense-related activities. Houston is often considered to have a stronger economy, offering more job opportunities and above-average wages predominantly in its established industries. San Diego pairs impressive economic growth with its desirable coastal location.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Houston are predominantly in healthcare and energy, including Memorial Hermann Health System and ExxonMobil, while San Diego's biggest employers are the United States Navy and UC San Diego. Both cities provide a broad range of professional opportunities.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
2020
56.0%
60.3%
42.7%
37.5%
1.3%
2.1%
2016
54.0%
56.3%
41.6%
36.6%
4.4%
7.1%
2012
49.4%
52.6%
49.3%
45.0%
1.3%
2.4%
2008
50.5%
54.2%
48.9%
44.0%
0.6%
1.8%
2004
44.6%
46.7%
54.9%
52.9%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
43.0%
45.8%
54.4%
49.8%
2.6%
4.5%
1996
45.2%
44.1%
49.2%
45.6%
5.6%
10.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
25.9%
3.6%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
1.1%
26.8%
12.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.7%
1.6%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
1.4%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.5%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
1.1%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.7%
2.0%
Weather
Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. On the other hand, San Diego enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, mild winters. San Diego's climate is considered more stable and pleasant throughout the year, acting as a significant draw for residents and visitors alike whereas Houston can be prone to severe weather, including hurricanes.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
San Diego
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
64.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
22%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
58%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
11 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
24.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
74.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
19%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
75%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
56%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in San Diego, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
Houston
San Diego
2018
102
101
0.19
0.53
9.2
11.2
21.5
32.6
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
10.0
10.5
0.3
0.1
2017
96
115
0.16
0.63
9.4
12.7
23.1
32.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
9.1
10.8
0.3
0.1
2016
91
105
0.16
0.46
10.4
13.0
22.7
30.4
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
8.6
11.4
0.2
0.1
2015
109
111
0.15
0.43
10.1
13.2
21.7
29.9
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
9.9
11.9
0.2
0.1
2014
98
105
0.24
0.44
10.4
11.6
21.8
31.1
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
10.2
11.1
0.3
0.1
2013
106
138
0.25
0.50
11.1
12.4
23.0
27.4
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
10.6
12.3
0.4
0.2
2012
115
110
0.25
0.53
11.6
12.7
23.8
28.0
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
11.1
13.6
0.5
0.2
2011
118
122
0.27
0.51
10.8
13.5
24.6
29.0
N/A
0.034
N/A
N/A
11.5
14.0
0.8
1.5
2010
110
109
0.25
0.52
12.8
14.0
22.8
29.3
N/A
0.019
N/A
N/A
11.4
13.9
1.1
1.0
2009
115
121
0.21
0.64
10.5
15.6
22.1
26.9
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
11.4
15.1
1.0
2.7
2008
105
127
0.30
0.71
13.1
16.1
22.1
28.4
0.006
N/A
67.3
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.3
2.6
2007
119
157
0.31
0.71
15.2
16.4
20.5
28.0
0.006
0.012
64.6
N/A
13.5
N/A
1.9
2.8
2006
134
123
0.32
0.81
14.6
18.9
22.3
27.1
0.006
0.056
64.8
N/A
13.0
N/A
2.3
3.4
2005
126
112
0.42
0.90
16.3
19.2
22.8
24.4
0.005
0.049
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
3.5
3.7
2004
137
120
0.44
0.93
17.7
18.4
20.4
25.9
0.010
0.055
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
4.6
2003
146
124
0.62
0.88
17.0
19.4
20.9
25.4
0.009
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
3.8
2002
128
125
0.55
0.86
16.1
20.9
19.7
25.9
0.007
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
3.6
2001
147
132
0.44
0.93
18.4
20.4
19.6
26.5
0.008
0.048
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
3.4
2000
136
134
0.50
1.02
17.0
22.3
22.0
23.8
0.008
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
3.6
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
San Diego
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
6.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
5,835%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
39%
Transportation
Houston is a car-centric city with an extensive highway system. However, it does have METRO, a public transit operator, providing bus and rail services. On the other hand, San Diego offers trolleys, buses, and trains, in addition to being more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly. Both cities have international airports for effortless travel.
Transport
Type
Houston
San Diego
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
852
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
33
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
San Diego
Bicycle
0.5%
0.6%
Bus
2.4%
2%
Carpooled
11.1%
9.4%
Car alone
81.2%
81.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.3%
Railroad
0.1%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
San Diego
Average
32 min
27.4 min
Other means
27.1 min
22.7 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
45.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
San Diego
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
89.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Diego is more expensive than in Houston, reflecting California's high property costs. While Houston presents a wider range of affordable housing options, San Diego offers lucrative property investments due to its desirable coastal location.
Neighborhoods
Houston neighborhoods, like the trendy Heights and the historic Third Ward, offer diverse living experiences. In San Diego, communities range from the beachfront La Jolla to the family-friendly suburban Rancho Bernardo. Each city showcases a disparate landscape about neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
San Diego
Houses
1,028,763
555,456
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.6
Median year apartment built
1985
1980
Median year house/condo built
1976
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
521,000 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
251,507 (48.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
269,493 (51.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$2,096
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$2,044
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$957,871
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$768,800
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$529,375
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$543,091
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$134,064
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$50,694
$219,865
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$696,014
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$941,291
Median house age
40
42
Renting percentage
54.6%
51.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
1,712.6
House value disparities
40.9%
23.6%
Household income disparities
49%
42.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$138,584
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$97,588
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
2,803 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
12,495 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
177,643 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
694 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
16,654 (9.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
San Diego
One, detached
43.2%
43.4%
One, attached
4.8%
9.9%
Two
2.2%
1.9%
3 or 4
4.4%
6.0%
5 to 9
7.1%
9.3%
10 to 19
10.9%
7.4%
20 to 49
7.7%
6.3%
50 or more
18.6%
14.6%
Mobile homes
0.9%
1.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
39,709
State government workers
38,359
29,438
Unpaid family workers
2,429
808
Industries and Occupations
Houston, as a global hub for energy, has strong petroleum, scientific, and technical sectors. In contrast, San Diego shines in biotechnology, wireless cellular technology, and international trade. These diverse industries offer a wide array of occupations for new residents and generate significant tourist interest.
Both cities offer highly-rated health care facilities. Houston, home to the massive Texas Medical Center, is a global leader in healthcare and medical research. While San Diego is not as globally recognized, its healthcare system is robust and well-regarded, with notable hospitals like UC San Diego Health.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
San Diego
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have invested in infrastructure improvements in recent years. Houston’s expansive freeways and intricate overpasses contrast with San Diego's coastal highways and light rail system. While Houston emphasizes vehicles, San Diego is progressively focusing on pedestrian-friendly zones and enhancing public transportation.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
San Diego
Hospitals
156
26
TV stations
26
13
Arenas or stadiums
6
4
Bank branches located here
755
255
Bank institutions located here
81
40
Main business address for public companies
197
92
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
San Diego
1999
9,163
3,865
2000
0
2,257
2001
0
1,754
2002
0
2,118
2003
8,173
5,074
2004
11,803
7,646
2005
15,127
8,409
2006
16,911
7,551
2007
10,643
5,741
2008
4,410
2,876
2009
2,279
1,675
Culture and Food
Both cities have a dynamic cultural scene. Houston's multicultural essence is evident from its food scene, with world-class Tex-Mex, barbecue, and a burgeoning array of international cuisines. San Diego boasts its own unique blend of Mexican and Californian cuisine, with an increasing emphasis on farm-to-table options and a reputation as a craft beer haven.
Sports Teams
San Diego has passionate fans of the MLB's Padres and NFL's Chargers, while Houston is home to the NFL's Texans, NBA's Rockets, and MLB's Astros. Both cities offer a fun-filled sporting atmosphere.
Houston, TX
San Diego, CA
Houston, TX and 
San Diego, CA : 1,299.6 miles
