Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Glendale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 11.0% cheaper than Glendale, CA. This translates to saving $828 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Glendale, CA, you'd need approximately $140,063.681 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 19.8% cheaper than in Glendale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,418/month in Glendale, CA.

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

Moving from Glendale, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $828 per month, or $9936 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Glendale, 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 Glendale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $828/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.1K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$828

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.9K

Per year

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

Glendale, CA

Population:187K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.15M

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Glendale, CA

The Golden State

187K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 187K 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: Glendale, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Glendale, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,515/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $1,291less	19.8%
Transportation	$2,016/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $445less	22.1%
Other	$1,617/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $275more	17.0%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$638/mo	↑ $103more	19.2%
All Utilities	$539/mo	$634/mo	↑ $95.19more	17.7%
Groceries	$1,005/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $73.86more	7.3%

Housing

↓ 19.8%

Glendale, CA

$6,515

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$1,291

less

Transportation

↓ 22.1%

Glendale, CA

$2,016

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$445

less

Other

↑ 17.0%

Glendale, CA

$1,617

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$275

Healthcare

↑ 19.2%

Glendale, CA

$535

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$103

All Utilities

↑ 17.7%

Glendale, CA

$539

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$95.19

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Glendale, CA

$1,005

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$73.86

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,731

To$2,565

↑ $834

1 Bed

From$1,941

To$2,755

↑ $814

2 Bed

From$2,418

To$3,360

↑ $942

3 Bed

From$3,065

To$4,475

↑ $1,410

Glendale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,550/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.

$12,227

Monthly in Glendale, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,189

Difference

Home Values

Glendale

San Diego

$1.15M

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +29.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$760K - $1.69M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 15% less expensive than Glendale

Calculate payment - Glendale 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

Glendale, 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

Glendale, 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.