Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
San Diego is 4% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $72,289 in San Diego.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Diego.
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