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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Ontario

California
152

San Diego is 30% more expensive than Ontario.

$2,223/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↓ 14%
$104,321/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 21%
$848,500 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 33%
$2,308/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 15%
1,385,061
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $21,515/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Ontario — common questions

Is San Diego or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Ontario?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Ontario?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $21,515/year higher in San Diego.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Ontario

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 Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa