Home › Compare › San Diego, CA vs Las Vegas, NV

Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Las Vegas, NV

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

22.0% Las Vegas, NV is cheaper overall
33.3% 33.3% cheaper housing
7.4% 7.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.3% cheaper
San Diego
168
Las Vegas
112
🛒 Groceries 7.4% cheaper
San Diego
108
Las Vegas
100
🚗 Transportation 11.9% cheaper
San Diego
118
Las Vegas
104
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% cheaper
San Diego
112
Las Vegas
98
⚡ Utilities 5.8% cheaper
San Diego
104
Las Vegas
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Diego, CA Las Vegas, NV Difference
Overall Cost Index13210322.0% less
Housing16811233.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,300$1,35041.3% less
Median Home Price$820,000$380,00053.7% less
Groceries1081007.4% less
Transportation11810411.9% less
Healthcare1129812.5% less
Utilities104985.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Diego, CA Las Vegas, NV
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.85%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.48%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas to maintain your San Diego lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Diego (132) vs Las Vegas (103). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Diego4.0%
Las Vegas5.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Diego2.9%
Las Vegas3.0%
Top Industries
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Diego25 min
Las Vegas25 min
Walk Score
San Diego51
Las Vegas41
Air Quality (AQI)
San Diego45
Las Vegas52
Avg Temperature
San Diego64°F
Las Vegas68°F
Population
San Diego1,381,611
Las Vegas646,790

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Diego or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?+
Las Vegas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 33.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Diego vs Las Vegas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,300/month in San Diego and $1,350/month in Las Vegas — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Diego or Las Vegas?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. 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 San Diego to Las Vegas?+
Median household income in San Diego is $89,000 compared to $62,000 in Las Vegas. 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 San Diego vs Las Vegas?+
The median home price in San Diego is $820,000 versus $380,000 in Las Vegas — a difference of $440,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Nevada averages 0.48%.