📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lewisville and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lewisville vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lewisville | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $88,784 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $386,500 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $208 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,291 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.0 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 38.4% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Lewisville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you're torn between two wildly different American dreams. On one side, you have San Diego, the sun-soaked, laid-back coastal metropolis where the Pacific Ocean is your backyard. On the other, you have Lewisville, the bustling, inland suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth that promises big Texas living without the downtown price tag.
This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two lifestyles, two economies, and two completely different ways of life. As your Relocation Expert, I'm here to cut through the hype and give you the raw data, the real talk, and the final verdict. Let's get into it.
The Vibe Check: Coast vs. Cowboy
San Diego is the definition of "California cool." The vibe is permanently relaxed, thanks to a climate that’s arguably the most perfect in the country. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods—from the craft beer hubs of North Park to the upscale beaches of La Jolla. The culture revolves around the outdoors: surfing, hiking, sailing, and a world-class zoo. It’s a major tech, biotech, and military hub, drawing young professionals, families, and retirees who prioritize quality of life over hustle. It’s diverse, progressive, and feels like a permanent vacation, but with the price tag to match.
Lewisville is the quintessential Texas suburban powerhouse. Located about 25 miles north of Dallas, it’s part of the sprawling DFW Metroplex. The vibe is family-friendly, convenient, and energetic. Think master-planned communities, excellent school districts (in the Lewisville ISD), and a booming local economy. It’s less about the ocean and more about the lake (Lewisville Lake is a massive recreation spot), good BBQ, and easy access to the cultural and sports offerings of Dallas. It’s a place where you can get a lot of house for your money, build a career in finance, logistics, or tech, and enjoy a strong sense of community.
Who is each city for?
- San Diego is for the outdoor enthusiast, the progressive professional, the retiree who values climate above all, and anyone willing to pay a premium for perfect weather and coastal access.
- Lewisville is for the young family looking for top-tier schools and a backyard, the budget-conscious professional who wants to maximize their salary, and anyone who prefers a low-key suburban lifestyle with big-city amenities nearby.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Actually Means Something
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might make a great salary, but what does it actually buy you? Let's break down the cold, hard numbers.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | San Diego | Lewisville | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $386,500 | Lewisville (by a landslide) |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,291 | Lewisville (almost 43% cheaper) |
| Housing Index | 185.8 | 117.8 | Lewisville |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $88,784 | San Diego |
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Gap
Here’s the brutal math. Let’s assume you earn the median income in each city.
- In San Diego, earning $105,780 feels like earning $74,000 in a national average city, thanks to the 85.8% higher housing costs (Housing Index: 185.8 vs 100). Your biggest expense is eating your paycheck alive.
- In Lewisville, earning $88,784 feels like earning $83,000 nationally. The lower cost of living (Housing Index: 117.8) means your money stretches significantly further.
The Tax Trump Card: This is a massive, often overlooked factor. California has a progressive income tax system that can take 9.3% of your income if you're a median earner, plus high sales tax (~7.75%). Texas has ZERO state income tax. That’s an immediate, annual raise for Lewisville residents. On a $100k salary, you could save over $6,000 per year in state income taxes alone by living in Lewisville. That money goes straight into your savings for a home, a car, or retirement.
Verdict on Spending Power: For the vast majority of people, Lewisville is the clear winner. You can live a comfortable, spacious life on a middle-class salary. In San Diego, that same salary puts you in constant financial tension unless you're a high earner.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition
San Diego: The Seller’s Paradise
Buying in San Diego is a monumental financial decision. The median home price of $930,000 requires a $186,000 down payment (20%) just to avoid PMI. The market is fiercely competitive, often seeing bidding wars and all-cash offers. It’s a seller’s market where inventory is perpetually low. Renting is also a pressure cooker; $2,248/month for a 1-bedroom is standard, and that market is just as competitive. You’re competing with a massive population of well-paid professionals and military personnel.
Lewisville: The Buyer’s Playground
The median home price of $386,500 is a breath of fresh air. A 20% down payment is $77,300—a more achievable goal for many. The market is much more balanced, leaning toward a buyer’s market. Inventory is healthier, and you have more negotiating power. Rent is also far more accessible at $1,291/month, allowing you to save aggressively for a down payment. The DFW area is one of the fastest-growing in the country, so demand is strong, but the supply of new construction in suburbs like Lewisville helps keep the market from overheating as drastically as San Diego’s.
Verdict on Housing: Lewisville offers a far more accessible path to homeownership and less rental stress. San Diego’s housing market is a luxury item for most.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is notoriously bad, especially on the I-5 and I-805 corridors. The average commute is around 27 minutes, but it can easily double during rush hour. The city is spread out, and public transit (the Trolley) is decent for specific routes but not a comprehensive solution.
- Lewisville: As a suburb, you’re reliant on a car. The DFW highway system is vast and complex (think I-35E, US-75, Dallas North Tollway). Commutes into Dallas can be 30-45 minutes without traffic, and it can swell significantly. However, if you work in Lewisville or nearby suburbs like Frisco or Plano, your commute is minimal. The DFW airport is also a huge advantage for travelers.
Weather: The 57°F Illusion
Both cities list an average temperature of 57.0°F. Don’t be fooled—this is an annual average, not the daily reality.
- San Diego: The weather is the headline. Winters are mild (50s-60s°F), summers are dry and warm (70s-80s°F), rarely exceeding 90°F. Humidity is low. It’s consistently perfect outdoor weather.
- Lewisville: Texas weather is a rollercoaster. Summers are brutal and humid, with temperatures routinely soaring above 95°F and often hitting 100°F+. Winters are mild compared to the Midwest but can have icy days and occasional freezes. Spring and fall are gorgeous but fleeting. The humidity is a real factor that San Diego completely avoids.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Crime is a complex issue. The violent crime rate is 378.0 per 100k. This is higher than the national average (~396/100k) but lower than many other large California cities. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood.
- Lewisville: Statistically, Lewisville is safer. The violent crime rate is 234.0 per 100k, which is below the national average. As a suburb, it generally has lower crime rates than the core city of Dallas.
Verdict on Dealbreakers: It’s a split decision. If you prioritize perfect weather and avoiding extreme heat, San Diego wins. If you prioritize statistically lower crime and a more predictable (though less ideal) climate, Lewisville has the edge.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?
This is where we get opinionated. The data points to a clear trend, but your personal priorities are the ultimate decider.
Winner for Families: Lewisville
The math is undeniable. A median-income family can afford a spacious home in a safe community with access to top-rated schools (Lewisville ISD). They can save for college and retirement. The trade-off is the brutal summer heat, but the financial security and space are a massive win for long-term family stability.Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
If you’re in tech, biotech, or the military and can command a salary well above the median, San Diego’s lifestyle is irreplaceable. The networking, outdoor activities, and vibrant social scene are world-class. You’re paying for the experience. Lewisville is more family-centric; San Diego offers a dynamic, independent lifestyle.Winner for Retirees: Lewisville (with a big caveat)
For retirees on a fixed income, Lewisville’s low cost of living and lack of state income tax are financial lifesavers. You can stretch your retirement savings much further. However, if your top priority is year-round perfect weather and you have the savings to afford San Diego’s cost of living, the climate there is unparalleled for aging in place. For most retirees, the financial logic of Lewisville is overwhelming.
City-Specific Pros & Cons
San Diego
- Pros: World-class climate, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, diverse job market, lower violent crime than many peers.
- Cons: Extreme cost of living, brutal housing market, high taxes, significant traffic, competitive rental market.
Lewisville
- Pros: Significantly lower cost of living, affordable housing, zero state income tax, lower violent crime, strong schools, family-friendly amenities, access to Dallas.
- Cons: Brutal summer heat and humidity, car-dependent, less cultural cachet, longer commutes to a major city core.
Final Call: If your life is dictated by your budget and you want to build wealth and a family, Lewisville is the pragmatic, powerful choice. If you have the financial cushion and your life is dictated by lifestyle and climate, San Diego is the dream. Choose wisely.