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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

San Diego is 61% more expensive than Reno.

$2,223/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 35%
$104,321/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 25%
$848,500 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 41%
$2,308/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 36%
1,385,061
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $25,873/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Reno — common questions

Is San Diego or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Reno?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Reno?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $25,873/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Reno details →

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