See what your report will look like
This is an illustrative sample report for a family moving from San Diego, CA to Austin, TX — the figures are examples, not a real household. Your report will be personalized to your own household, income, and priorities.
Based on your household profile, Austin, TX offers the strongest combination of tax savings, cost of living reduction, and lifestyle alignment. With zero state income tax and strong job growth, your family stands to save approximately $47,280 annually while maintaining a comparable quality of life.
Austin, TX
+$47,280
Sum of the verified lines below
+$430,000
One-time, not annual — approx. from home sale / price difference
Both the income-tax line and the property-tax line were computed from verified inputs.
High = income-tax and property-tax lines both computed from verified inputs; Medium = one; Low = neither or an accuracy check failed.
How we got this numberComputed by verified calculators
All destinations — approximate annual total (select one to see its lines)
What is in the total for Austin, TX
| Line | Per year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax difference vs CA (federal + state, tax engine) | +$48,902 | Verified · Tax engine (federal + state tax tables) |
Property tax increase (TX 1.80% on $445,000 vs CA 0.73% on $875,000)
| -$1,622 | Verified · Property-tax calculator (Zillow ZHVI × effective property-tax rate) |
| Total approximate savings— equals the headline | +$47,280 | /yr |
Not included in this total
- Sales tax difference — we know each state's rate but not how much your household spends, so there is no honest dollar figure
- Insurance, utilities and HOA dues — not measured for either location
Cost of living — a percentage, not part of the dollar total
Overall price level in Austin, TX is -11.3% vs San Diego, CA (BEA RPP 2024, 113.6 → 100.8)
BEA Regional Price Parities compare overall price levels (US average = 100). Expressed as a percentage because converting an index to annual dollars needs a household spending figure we do not measure.
Verified · BEA Regional Price ParitiesNever converted to dollars.
One-time equity opportunity:+$430,000— one-time, not annual (your current home value minus the destination's typical home value; not part of the yearly total).
Figures are approximate and for planning purposes only. How we calculate this
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Community Profile
Detailed Analysis
The biggest driver of the difference is housing. San Diego's typical home value of $875,000 compared to Austin's $445,000 means your dollar stretches significantly further, and residential electricity runs roughly half the price per kWh.
The cost-of-living index is kept out of the dollar total on purpose: converting an 11% price-level gap into "$X per year" would require a household spending figure we do not collect, so the report states the percentage and lets you apply it to your own budget.
California's top marginal rate of 13.3% is the highest in the nation. Texas has no state income tax whatsoever. On a household income of $150,000, this represents roughly $19,950 in annual tax savings.
However, Texas has higher property tax rates (1.80% vs 0.73%). On a $445,000 home in Austin, you'd pay approximately $8,010/year in property taxes compared to $6,388 for a comparable home in San Diego. The net tax savings still strongly favor Texas at approximately $18,328/year.
Combined state + local sales tax is slightly higher in Texas (8.25% vs 7.75%); it is not converted to dollars because the report does not measure your household's spending.
As a 100% P&T disabled veteran in Texas, you would qualify for a **full property tax exemption**, saving an additional $8,010/year. This brings your total tax savings to approximately $27,960/year.
Austin experienced rapid price growth from 2020–2022 but has since corrected, with prices now stabilizing. Current inventory levels are healthy with a 4.2-month supply (balanced market). The price-to-income ratio of 4.1x is within normal range, compared to San Diego's 8.2x which indicates significant overvaluation.
With your VA loan benefit, you can purchase with 0% down payment. A $445,000 home at 6.5% over 30 years results in a monthly payment of approximately $2,812 (principal + interest), compared to $5,530 for a comparable San Diego home.
Neighborhoods to consider: Round Rock (best schools), Cedar Park (family-friendly), Pflugerville (best value), Dripping Springs (acreage).
Round Rock ISD is one of the top districts in Texas with a 91% graduation rate and numerous Blue Ribbon schools. Eanes ISD (Westlake area) is rated even higher but homes are more expensive.
For your children (ages 8 and 12), recommended campuses include:
- Elementary: Spicewood Elementary (Round Rock ISD) — 9/10 rating
- Middle: Canyon Vista Middle School — 8/10 rating, strong STEM program
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 compared to San Diego's 24:1 means more individual attention. Texas also offers robust gifted and talented programs at the elementary level.
Austin's violent crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents is slightly above San Diego's 3.7 but well below the national average of 4.0. Property crime is the larger concern at 28.1 per 1,000 vs San Diego's 15.2.
Suburban areas like Round Rock and Cedar Park have significantly lower crime rates — often 50–60% below Austin proper. If safety is a top priority, targeting these suburbs provides the best balance of affordability and security.
The biggest weather adjustment will be summer heat. Austin's July average high of 96°F is significantly warmer than San Diego's 76°F. However, Austin's winters are mild (avg low 41°F in January) and the city enjoys 228 sunny days per year.
Austin's outdoor recreation scene is excellent: Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake for kayaking and running, Zilker Park, and the Greenbelt hiking trails. The live music scene is a significant lifestyle upgrade.
Natural disaster risk: Austin has moderate tornado risk and low hurricane risk. Flooding is the primary concern — check FEMA flood maps before purchasing.
Alternative Cities to Consider
Click "Compare" to view lifestyle match data for each recommendation.
30% cheaper than Austin with similar tax benefits. Growing tech sector and strong military community near Joint Base San Antonio.
Lower cost of living than San Diego with excellent schools (Wake County). State income tax is only 4.5%. Research Triangle job market.
No state income tax, lower housing costs, and year-round warm weather. Growing job market with strong veteran community near MacDill AFB.
This report was generated using data from the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, FBI UCR, and other government sources. Tax calculations are estimates based on simplified marginal rates. Property values reflect median figures and may not represent specific neighborhoods. This report does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals before making major financial decisions.
How we calculate this — what is verified, what is approximate, and what the total leaves out.