Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Los Angeles and San Diego are closely matched markets (homes within 4% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences.
Median Home Value
$879,500
$848,500 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$941,985
$989,767
Median Gross Rent
$1,879/mo ✓
$2,223/mo
Owner Occupied %
36.3%
47.6%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.0x
31.8x
Median Household Income
$80,366
$104,321 ✓
Per Capita Income
$46,270
$54,678
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
5.9% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.6%
11.1%
Avg Commute (min)
34.1 min
26.0 min
Drove Alone %
61.4%
64.2%
Public Transit %
6.7%
3.0%
Work From Home %
17.3%
19.2%
State Income Tax
13.3%
13.3%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.7% ✓
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
0.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.5%
28.8%
Median Age
36.9
36
Avg High Temp
70.4°F
73.5°F
Annual Precipitation
13.4"
11"
Los Angeles, CA 1 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
San Diego, CA 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →