salarySan Diego is 3% 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
$2,511
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,352
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$109,576
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$929,900
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
115.6
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,575
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$127
$131
👥 People living there
439,418
1,389,526
Commute to work
29.8 min
23.5 min
College degree
48.7%
51%
Own their home
42.3%
47.3%
Below poverty line
13.4%
11%
Unemployment
6.4%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Oakland 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 | Oakland | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $113,700 | $70,900 | -38% in San Diego |
| Market Research Analyst | $123,250 | $79,440 | -36% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $186,610 | $139,520 | -25% in San Diego |
| Nurse Practitioner | $219,080 | $163,860 | -25% in San Diego |
| Operations Manager | $149,990 | $119,600 | -20% in San Diego |
| Electrician | $92,830 | $76,160 | -18% in San Diego |
| Carpenter | $89,200 | $73,200 | -18% in San Diego |
| Medical Assistant | $59,790 | $49,420 | -17% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakland or San Diego cheaper to live in?
San Diego is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $3,011 a month there versus $2,511 in Oakland.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Oakland?
About $58,066 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Oakland or San Diego?
The typical household earns $109,576 in Oakland and $116,561 in San Diego, 6% more in San Diego.