Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Eugene, OR?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 38.0% more expensive than Eugene, OR. This translates to spending an extra $2848 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Eugene, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Eugene, OR, you'd need approximately $184,178.31 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Eugene, OR and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 53.7% more expensive than in Eugene, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,208/month in Eugene, OR.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2848 more per month than Eugene, OR, or $34178 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Eugene, OR vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Eugene, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.8K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $184.2K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 38.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,848

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$34.2K

Per year

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

Eugene, OR

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$470K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

138

(38% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Eugene, OR

The Beaver State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 178K residents.

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: Eugene, OR vs San Diego, CA

Category	Eugene, OR	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,399/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $1,825more	53.7%
Other	$1,546/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $346more	22.4%
All Utilities	$426/mo	$634/mo	↑ $208more	48.8%
Transportation	$1,382/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $189more	13.7%
Groceries	$958/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $121more	12.7%
Healthcare	$594/mo	$638/mo	↑ $44.16more	7.4%

Housing

↑ 53.7%

Eugene, OR

$3,399

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,825

Other

↑ 22.4%

Eugene, OR

$1,546

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$346

All Utilities

↑ 48.8%

Eugene, OR

$426

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$208

Transportation

↑ 13.7%

Eugene, OR

$1,382

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$189

Groceries

↑ 12.7%

Eugene, OR

$958

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$121

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Eugene, OR

$594

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$44.16

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Eugene, OR: Lane Transit District Payroll Tax$315/yr (0.2%)

San Diego, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$873

To$2,565

↑ $1,692

1 Bed

From$921

To$2,755

↑ $1,834

2 Bed

From$1,208

To$3,360

↑ $2,152

3 Bed

From$1,682

To$4,475

↑ $2,793

Eugene, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$1,380/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.

$8,304

Monthly in Eugene, OR

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,733

Difference

Home Values

Eugene

San Diego

$470K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +27.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$391K - $592K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 109% more expensive than Eugene

Calculate payment - Eugene Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$407

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

Eugene, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Eugene, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.