San Francisco, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). 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 cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 2.9% (RPP 117.9 to 114.5).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $58,270
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $97,116
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $145,674
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 San Francisco, CA?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 2.9%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $97,116 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 117.9).