Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Fremont, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 28.4% cheaper than Fremont, CA. This translates to saving $2127 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fremont, CA, you'd need approximately $124,477.612 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 46.0% cheaper than in Fremont, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $3,810/month in Fremont, CA.

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

Moving from Fremont, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $2127 per month, or $25522 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fremont, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Fremont, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.5K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,127

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.5K

Per year

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

Fremont, CA

Population:231K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.44M

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(28% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Fremont, CA

The Golden State

231K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 231K 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: Fremont, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Fremont, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $4,444less	46.0%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$634/mo	↑ $169more	36.5%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $164more	11.7%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$638/mo	↓ $68.15less	9.6%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.7%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.4%

Housing

↓ 46.0%

Fremont, CA

$9,667

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$4,444

less

All Utilities

↑ 36.5%

Fremont, CA

$464

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$169

Transportation

↑ 11.7%

Fremont, CA

$1,407

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$164

Healthcare

↓ 9.6%

Fremont, CA

$706

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$68.15

less

Other

↑ 3.7%

Fremont, CA

$1,825

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$66.96

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Fremont, CA

$1,129

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,805

To$2,565

↓ $240

1 Bed

From$3,120

To$2,755

↓ $365

2 Bed

From$3,810

To$3,360

↓ $450

3 Bed

From$4,875

To$4,475

↓ $400

Fremont, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,940–$3,320/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.

$15,199

Monthly in Fremont, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$4,162

Difference

Home Values

Fremont

San Diego

$1.44M

Median Value

$980K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +35%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$1.30M - $2.17M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 32% less expensive than Fremont

Calculate payment - Fremont Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Fremont, 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

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

Fremont, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.