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
$2,498
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,339
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$88,371
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$921,200
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
113.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,050
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$151
$131
👥 People living there
3,857,263
1,389,526
Commute to work
30.7 min
23.5 min
College degree
38.5%
51%
Own their home
36%
47.3%
Below poverty line
16.5%
11%
Unemployment
8.2%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Los Angeles for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, cheaper homes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Los Angeles | 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 Los Angeles or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
About $59,113 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Los Angeles or San Diego?
The typical household earns $88,371 in Los Angeles and $116,561 in San Diego, 24% more in San Diego.