Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Los Angeles, CA by about 1.2% (RPP 113.1 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $60,743
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $101,238
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $151,857
in San Diego, CA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 1.2%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $101,238 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 113.1).