salaryMesa is 8% 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
$1,826
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$131
👥 People living there
511,764
1,389,526
Commute to work
24.7 min
23.5 min
College degree
32.5%
51%
Own their home
64.4%
47.3%
Below poverty line
10.3%
11%
Unemployment
4.2%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $97,000 | +64% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | $139,520 | +38% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $178,220 | +31% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $85,050 | $110,400 | +30% in San Diego |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $47,530 | $35,850 | -25% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $61,210 | $76,160 | +24% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $131,750 | $163,270 | +24% in San Diego |
| Physician Assistant | $134,650 | $165,160 | +23% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Mesa is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,826 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Mesa?
About $64,978 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or San Diego?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $116,561 in San Diego, 23% more in San Diego.