San Diego, CA vs Ventura, CA: 197 vs 183

$2,223/mo ↑ 6%

Median Rent

$2,101/mo ↓ 5%

$104,321/yr ↑ 4%

Median Income

$100,407/yr ↓ 4%

$848,500 ↑ 9%

Home Value

$778,700 ↓ 8%

$2,308/mo ↑ 9%

Owner Costs

$2,118/mo ↓ 8%

1,385,061

Population

109,900

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $3,914/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Ventura — common questions

Is San Diego or Ventura cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 197 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Diego and Ventura?

Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $122/month.

Which city has higher income, San Diego or Ventura?

Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $3,914/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 Ventura?

It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

San Diego

Ventura

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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