San Francisco vs San Diego

San Diego is cheaper to live in overall. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 while San Diego has an index of 163, where 100 represents the US national average. San Diego is 28% cheaper than San Francisco overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,200 per month compared to $2,350 in San Diego. The median home price in San Francisco is $1,290,000 versus $870,000 in San Diego. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 and San Diego has an index of 163, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in San Francisco, multiply by 0.72. For example a $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $54,333 in San Diego.

San Francisco has a median household income of $136,689 per year versus $83,454 in San Diego. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from San Francisco to San Diego is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. San Diego is 28% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.