Is San Diego, CA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 46.0% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

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

MoveNumbers

San Jose, CA

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, 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.

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$980K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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: San Jose, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	San Jose, 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%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$4,444

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 36.5%

San Jose, CA

$464

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$169

🚗Transportation

↑ 11.7%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$164

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.6%

San Jose, CA

$706

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$68.15

less

📦Other

↑ 3.7%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$66.96

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$2,565

↓ $25.00

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,755

↓ $195

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$3,360

↓ $85.00

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$4,475

↓ $75.00

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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 San Jose, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$4,162

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

San Diego

$1.35M

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 27% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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

San Jose, 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

San Jose, 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.