Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

San Diego is 74% more expensive than Port St. Lucie.

$2,223/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↓ 20%
$104,321/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 25%
$848,500 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 61%
$2,308/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↓ 35%
1,385,061
Population
220,453

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Port St. Lucie, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $26,184/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is San Diego or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $26,184/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 Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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