Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Las Vegas, NV (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Las Vegas

Nevada
111

San Diego is 77% more expensive than Las Vegas.

$2,223/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,456/mo ↓ 35%
$104,321/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$70,723/yr ↓ 32%
$848,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$395,300 ↓ 53%
$2,308/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,452/mo ↓ 37%
1,385,061
Population
650,873

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Las Vegas, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $33,598/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $395,300 in Las Vegas.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Las Vegas — common questions

Is San Diego or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Las Vegas it's $1,456/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Las Vegas?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $70,723 in Las Vegas. Median household income is $33,598/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Las Vegas?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,456/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Las Vegas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Las Vegas

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 Las Vegas vs. Boston Las Vegas vs. Portland Las Vegas vs. Washington Las Vegas vs. Detroit Las Vegas vs. El Paso Las Vegas vs. Memphis