salarySacramento is 5% 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
$2,152
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,950
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$94,176
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$506,300
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
106.7
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,842
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$127
$131
👥 People living there
528,706
1,389,526
Commute to work
25.3 min
23.5 min
College degree
37.1%
51%
Own their home
51.7%
47.3%
Below poverty line
13.9%
11%
Unemployment
6.6%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Sacramento for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Sacramento | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $94,080 | $70,900 | -25% in San Diego |
| Medical Assistant | $61,970 | $49,420 | -20% in San Diego |
| Registered Nurse | $171,460 | $139,520 | -19% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $139,640 | $163,270 | +17% in San Diego |
| Civil Engineer | $130,150 | $108,900 | -16% in San Diego |
| HVAC Technician | $66,670 | $74,880 | +12% in San Diego |
| Plumber | $65,210 | $72,510 | +11% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $103,390 | $97,000 | -6% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Sacramento is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,152 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Sacramento?
About $62,934 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Sacramento or San Diego?
The typical household earns $94,176 in Sacramento and $116,561 in San Diego, 19% more in San Diego.