Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Seattle is 5% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $71,250 in Seattle.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Diego scores 107 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.
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