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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Temecula

California
179

San Diego is 18% more expensive than Temecula.

$2,223/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 3%
$104,321/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 13%
$848,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$640,400 ↓ 25%
$2,308/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 6%
1,385,061
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $13,519/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Temecula — common questions

Is San Diego or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Temecula is cheaper to live in with an index of 179 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Temecula?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Temecula?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $13,519/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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