Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 5.3% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $395 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $145,263.158 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 15.9% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $395 per month, or $4737 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $395/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.3K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$395

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.7K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$980K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs San Diego, CA

Category	Washington, DC	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $988less	15.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $314less	16.7%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$634/mo	↑ $126more	24.7%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$638/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.9%

Washington, DC

$6,211

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$988

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.7%

Washington, DC

$1,885

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$314

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.7%

Washington, DC

$508

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$126

📦Other

↑ 3.7%

Washington, DC

$1,825

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$66.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Washington, DC

$632

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$6.20

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Washington, DC

$1,079

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$2,565

↑ $415

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$2,755

↑ $540

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$3,360

↑ $890

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$4,475

↑ $1,360

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,103

Difference

Home Values

Washington

San Diego

$556K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 76% more expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $524

Per year

Monthly Difference

$43.66

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.