salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,405
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$3,344
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$147,451
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$1,191,500
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
113.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$9,543
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$131
👥 People living there
311,690
1,389,526
Commute to work
24.7 min
23.5 min
College degree
70.6%
51%
Own their home
44.5%
47.3%
Below poverty line
10.8%
11%
Unemployment
5.9%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Irvine for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick San Diego for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Irvine | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $98,050 | $70,900 | -28% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $121,980 | $110,400 | -9% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $194,410 | $178,220 | -8% in San Diego |
| Operations Manager | $125,830 | $119,600 | -5% in San Diego |
| Pharmacist | $157,440 | $165,130 | +5% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $101,860 | $97,000 | -5% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $44,460 | $46,440 | +4% in San Diego |
| Market Research Analyst | $82,990 | $79,440 | -4% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Irvine or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Irvine and San Diego cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Irvine?
About $59,113 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Irvine or San Diego?
The typical household earns $147,451 in Irvine and $116,561 in San Diego, 27% more in Irvine.