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San Diego questions · updated October 2026

San Diego vs Los Angeles: which costs more to live in?

San Diego costs more on most measures. MIT puts the living wage for a single adult at $68,389 in San Diego County vs $60,161 in Los Angeles County.[1][2] San Diego's median household income is higher too: $106,268 vs $90,112.[3] Rents are close: HUD's 1-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $2,335 in San Diego and $2,402 in LA.[4]

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Side by side

San Diego CountyLos Angeles County
Living wage, 1 adult[1]$68,389$60,161
Living wage, 2 working adults + 2 kids[1]$156,476$140,735
Fair Market Rent, 1-bedroom[4]$2,335$2,402
Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom[4]$2,823$2,964
Median household income[3]$106,268$90,112
Median gross rent[3]$2,246$1,954
Median owner home value[3]$854,700$834,200
Price inflation, 12 months to September 2026[5]4.7%3.7%

Inflation figures are for the San Diego and Los Angeles metro areas.[6] MIT figures are required income before taxes.

Moving down from LA? Here's the full San Diego cost-of-living breakdown, and my relocation guide covers neighborhoods and commutes.

Related questions

Is San Diego cheaper than LA?

Mostly no. The living wage, median rent and home values are all higher in San Diego County, though LA's 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is higher.

Do people make more in San Diego or LA?

San Diego County's median household income is $106,268, vs $90,112 in Los Angeles County (Census, 2020-2024).

Are houses cheaper in San Diego or Los Angeles?

The Census median owner home value is $854,700 in San Diego County and $834,200 in Los Angeles County.

Is it worth moving from LA to San Diego?

If your income moves with you, the costs are similar enough that it comes down to lifestyle, commute and family. Text me and I'll help you compare neighborhoods.

Related answers, guides and reports

San Diego relocation guide PCS guide: BAH vs rent Neighborhood market reportsWhat's my home worth?Is it better to buy or rent in San Diego?Is buying a condo in San Diego a good idea?How does Prop 19 work when you inherit your parents' house in California?Is Serra Mesa a good place to live, and is it safe?

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Sources

  1. MIT Living Wage Calculator: San Diego County
  2. MIT Living Wage Calculator: Los Angeles County
  3. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 (via Census Reporter)
  4. HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2027
  5. BLS: Consumer Price Index, San Diego area
  6. BLS: Consumer Price Index, Los Angeles area

Payment math is an estimate, not a loan offer. Talk to a lender for your actual numbers. Josiah Garcia | Real Broker | DRE #02128093.