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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Vallejo

California
155

San Diego is 27% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,223/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↓ 9%
$104,321/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 14%
$848,500 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 34%
$2,308/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 11%
1,385,061
Population
124,637

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $14,825/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Vallejo — common questions

Is San Diego or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Vallejo?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Vallejo?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $14,825/year higher in San Diego.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Diego details → View Vallejo details →

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