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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Anaheim

California
182

San Diego is 8% more expensive than Anaheim.

$2,223/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↓ 6%
$104,321/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↓ 13%
$848,500 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$771,700 ↓ 9%
$2,308/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↓ 6%
1,385,061
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $13,738/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Anaheim — common questions

Is San Diego or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Anaheim?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Anaheim?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $13,738/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 San Diego or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

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