Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 16.3% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $1221 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $135,348.837 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 30.7% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $1221 per month, or $14651 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.3K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 16.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,221

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.7K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$980K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Seattle, WA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,313less	30.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $328less	17.3%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$638/mo	↓ $186less	22.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$634/mo	↑ $153more	31.8%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,892/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 30.7%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,313

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.3%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$328

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 22.6%

Seattle, WA

$824

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$186

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 31.8%

Seattle, WA

$481

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$153

📦Other

↓ 4.2%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$83.70

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$2,565

↑ $385

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,755

↑ $495

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$3,360

↑ $730

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$4,475

↑ $1,035

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,757

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

San Diego

$808K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 21% more expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.