salaryWashington is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Washington to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,011
$2,370
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$2,192
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$118,495
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$737,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
108.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$4,312
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$96
👥 People living there
1,389,526
681,294
Commute to work
23.5 min
30 min
College degree
51%
64.2%
Own their home
47.3%
41.5%
Below poverty line
11%
15.4%
Unemployment
6%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego for shorter commutes, less poverty, lower unemployment.
- Pick Washington for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Diego | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Manager | $119,600 | $156,460 | +31% in Washington |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,850 | $46,040 | +28% in Washington |
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | $102,710 | -26% in Washington |
| Police Officer | $110,400 | $84,000 | -24% in Washington |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,000 | $79,470 | -18% in Washington |
| Nurse Practitioner | $163,860 | $134,840 | -18% in Washington |
| Carpenter | $73,200 | $60,800 | -17% in Washington |
| Physician Assistant | $165,160 | $148,200 | -10% in Washington |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or Washington cheaper to live in?
Washington is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,370 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in Washington to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $58,390 a year gives the same standard of living in Washington.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or Washington?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $118,495 in Washington, 2% more in Washington.