Home › Compare › Seattle, WA vs San Diego, CA

Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

6.5% San Diego, CA is more expensive overall
7.7% 7.7% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.7% more
Seattle
156
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Seattle
108
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Seattle
118
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Seattle
110
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities 14.3% more
Seattle
91
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1241326.5% more
Housing1561687.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$2,30012.2% more
Median Home Price$780,000$820,0005.1% more
Groceries108108~Same
Transportation118118~Same
Healthcare110112~Same
Utilities9110414.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA San Diego, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Seattle749,256
San Diego1,381,611

Moving from Seattle to San Diego?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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

Seattle vs Austin → Seattle vs Denver → Seattle vs Nashville → San Diego vs Raleigh → San Diego vs Portland → San Diego vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
Seattle is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or San Diego?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to San Diego?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs San Diego?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while California averages 0.71%.