Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 3.4% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $252 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $146,979.866 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 1.0% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA?

Moving from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $252 per month, or $3020 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Boston, MA

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $252/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$252

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$980K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Boston, MA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $260less	14.2%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$638/mo	↓ $105less	14.2%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$634/mo	↓ $81.96less	11.5%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.7%
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $51.97less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.2%

Boston, MA

$1,830

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$260

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.2%

Boston, MA

$743

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.5%

Boston, MA

$716

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$81.96

less

📦Other

↑ 3.7%

Boston, MA

$1,825

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$66.96

🏠Housing

↓ 1.0%

Boston, MA

$5,275

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$51.97

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Boston, MA

$1,079

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$2,565

↓ $530

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$2,755

↓ $500

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$3,360

↓ $505

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$4,475

↓ $155

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$432

Difference

Home Values

Boston

San Diego

$961K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 2% more expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$261

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.