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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

2.9% San Diego, CA is cheaper overall
5.6% 5.6% cheaper housing
1.8% 1.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Los Angeles
110
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation 5.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Los Angeles
112
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1361322.9% less
Housing1781685.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$2,3008.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$820,0006.8% less
Groceries110108~Same
Transportation1251185.6% less
Healthcare112112~Same
Utilities105104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Diego costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Diego to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
San Diego1,381,611

Moving from Los Angeles to San Diego?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and San Diego → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Diego →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
San Diego is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or San Diego?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to San Diego?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $89,000 in San Diego. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs San Diego?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while California averages 0.71%.