Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Huntington Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 6.5% cheaper than Huntington Beach, CA. This translates to saving $487 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Huntington Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $144,155.844 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 13.0% cheaper than in Huntington Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $3,340/month in Huntington Beach, CA.

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

Moving from Huntington Beach, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $487 per month, or $5844 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $487/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.2K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$487

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Huntington Beach, CA

Population:192K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.32M

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Huntington Beach, CA

The Golden State

192K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 192K 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: Huntington Beach, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Huntington Beach, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $780less	13.0%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $587less	27.2%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $167more	9.7%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$638/mo	↑ $86.74more	15.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$634/mo	↑ $76.50more	13.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Housing

↓ 13.0%

Huntington Beach, CA

$6,003

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$780

less

Transportation

↓ 27.2%

Huntington Beach, CA

$2,158

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$587

less

Other

↑ 9.7%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,724

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$167

Healthcare

↑ 15.7%

Huntington Beach, CA

$551

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$86.74

All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Huntington Beach, CA

$557

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$76.50

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,039

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,770

To$2,565

↓ $205

1 Bed

From$2,830

To$2,755

↓ $75.00

2 Bed

From$3,340

To$3,360

↑ $20.00

3 Bed

From$4,530

To$4,475

↓ $55.00

Huntington Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,730–$2,920/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.

$12,034

Monthly in Huntington Beach, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$996

Difference

Home Values

Huntington Beach

San Diego

$1.32M

Median Value

$980K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$1.20M - $1.49M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 26% less expensive than Huntington Beach

Calculate payment - Huntington Beach 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

Huntington Beach, 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

Huntington Beach, 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.