Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

San Diego is 110% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,223/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 34%
$104,321/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 66%
$848,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 80%
$2,308/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 32%
1,385,061
Population
129,239

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $69,349/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is San Diego or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Santa Clara?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $69,349/year higher in Santa Clara.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Santa Clara details →