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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

San Diego is 174% more expensive than Pueblo.

$2,223/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 54%
$104,321/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 47%
$848,500 ↑ 267%
Home Value
$230,900 ↓ 73%
$2,308/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 56%
1,385,061
Population
111,514

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,203/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $14,436/year.

Median household income is $49,016/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Pueblo — common questions

Is San Diego or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Pueblo?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $1,203/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Pueblo?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $49,016/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Pueblo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Pueblo

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 Pueblo vs. Murrieta Pueblo vs. Miami Gardens Pueblo vs. Downey Pueblo vs. Everett Pueblo vs. Peoria Pueblo vs. Costa Mesa