Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

San Diego

California
197

Los Angeles is 5% cheaper than San Diego.

$1,879/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,223/mo ↑ 18%
$80,366/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$104,321/yr ↑ 30%
$879,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$848,500 ↓ 4%
$2,055/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,308/mo ↑ 12%
3,857,897
Population
1,385,061

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $23,955/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $848,500 in San Diego.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs San Diego — common questions

Is Los Angeles or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in San Diego it's $2,223/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or San Diego?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $104,321 in San Diego. Median household income is $23,955/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or San Diego?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while San Diego has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,223/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View San Diego details →

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