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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

San Diego is 110% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$2,223/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 37%
$104,321/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 46%
$848,500 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 70%
$2,308/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 36%
1,385,061
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $818/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $9,816/year.

Median household income is $47,737/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is San Diego or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Bridgeport?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $818/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $47,737/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Bridgeport

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton