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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

San Diego is 124% more expensive than Hampton.

$2,223/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 39%
$104,321/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 35%
$848,500 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 72%
$2,308/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 42%
1,385,061
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $36,563/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Hampton — common questions

Is San Diego or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Hampton?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Hampton?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $36,563/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Hampton details →

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