San Diego, CA vs Provo, UT: 197 vs 102

$2,223/mo ↑ 93%

Median Rent

$1,152/mo ↓ 48%

$104,321/yr ↑ 66%

Median Income

$62,800/yr ↓ 40%

$848,500 ↑ 94%

Home Value

$437,100 ↓ 48%

$2,308/mo ↑ 89%

Owner Costs

$1,220/mo ↓ 47%

1,385,061

Population

114,303

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,071/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $12,852/year.

Median household income is $41,521/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Provo — common questions

Is San Diego or Provo cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 197 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Diego and Provo?

Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $1,071/month.

Which city has higher income, San Diego or Provo?

Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $41,521/year higher in San Diego.

How do taxes compare between California and Utah?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.

Should I move to San Diego or Provo?

It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

San Diego

Provo

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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