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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

San Diego is 71% more expensive than Orlando.

$2,223/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↓ 26%
$104,321/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 34%
$848,500 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$359,000 ↓ 58%
$2,308/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↓ 30%
1,385,061
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Orlando, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $35,053/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Orlando — common questions

Is San Diego or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Orlando?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Orlando?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $35,053/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Orlando details →

More Comparisons

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