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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

San Diego is 13% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$2,223/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 9%
$104,321/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 15%
$848,500 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 23%
$2,308/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 6%
1,385,061
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $15,564/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is San Diego or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $15,564/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Huntington Beach details →

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