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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

San Diego is 246% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,223/mo ↑ 134%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 57%
$104,321/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 50%
$848,500 ↑ 557%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 85%
$2,308/mo ↑ 151%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 60%
1,385,061
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,274/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $15,288/year.

Median household income is $52,070/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Evansville — common questions

Is San Diego or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Evansville?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,274/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Evansville?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $52,070/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Evansville

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 Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow