salaryMadison is 15% cheaperBased 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
$1,723
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,628
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$84,177
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$372,900
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,541
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$120
$131
👥 People living there
278,001
1,389,526
Commute to work
19.4 min
23.5 min
College degree
59.9%
51%
Own their home
46%
47.3%
Below poverty line
16.4%
11%
Unemployment
2.7%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Madison for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Madison | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,690 | $97,000 | +52% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $124,130 | $178,220 | +44% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $101,190 | $139,520 | +38% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $80,580 | $110,400 | +37% in San Diego |
| Firefighter | $56,430 | $70,900 | +26% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $130,630 | $163,270 | +25% in San Diego |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,550 | $79,720 | +24% in San Diego |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,340 | $123,790 | +23% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Madison?
About $69,004 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Madison or San Diego?
The typical household earns $84,177 in Madison and $116,561 in San Diego, 28% more in San Diego.