Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Sunnyvale, CA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 31.6% cheaper than in Sunnyvale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $4,110/month in Sunnyvale, CA.

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

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

Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale, CA

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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 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.

Sunnyvale, CA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.91M

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Sunnyvale, CA

The Golden State

152K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 152K 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: Sunnyvale, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Sunnyvale, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,640/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,417less	31.6%
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

↓ 31.6%

Sunnyvale, CA

$7,640

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,417

less

All Utilities

↑ 36.5%

Sunnyvale, CA

$464

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$169

Transportation

↑ 11.7%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,407

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$164

Healthcare

↓ 9.6%

Sunnyvale, CA

$706

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$68.15

less

Other

↑ 3.7%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,825

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$66.96

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,129

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,090

To$2,565

↓ $525

1 Bed

From$3,520

To$2,755

↓ $765

2 Bed

From$4,110

To$3,360

↓ $750

3 Bed

From$5,430

To$4,475

↓ $955

Sunnyvale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,310–$3,580/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.

$13,172

Monthly in Sunnyvale, CA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,135

Difference

Home Values

Sunnyvale

San Diego

$1.91M

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +23.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$1.44M - $2.76M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 49% less expensive than Sunnyvale

Calculate payment - Sunnyvale 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

Sunnyvale, 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

Sunnyvale, 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.