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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

San Diego is 77% more expensive than Eugene.

$2,223/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 39%
$104,321/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 39%
$848,500 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$435,400 ↓ 49%
$2,308/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 38%
1,385,061
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $876/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $10,512/year.

Median household income is $40,485/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Eugene — common questions

Is San Diego or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Eugene?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $876/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Eugene?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $40,485/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Eugene details →

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