Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 16.9% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $1268 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $134,783.612 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 32.6% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $1268 per month, or $15216 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.8K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,268

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.2K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$980K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Los Angeles, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,526less	32.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $587less	27.2%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $161more	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$638/mo	↑ $84.26more	15.2%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$634/mo	↑ $76.50more	13.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.6%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,526

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$587

less

📦Other

↑ 9.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$161

🏥Healthcare

↑ 15.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$84.26

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$76.50

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$2,565

↑ $655

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$2,755

↑ $620

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$3,360

↑ $700

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$4,475

↑ $1,105

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,753

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

San Diego

$885K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 11% more expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.