San Diego is 20.99% less expensive than New York (rent-free). Overall, San Diego's cost of living index is 160.4 instead of 176.2 in Los Angeles. Housing is more expensive in Los Angeles (298.2 there than 279.1 here). Transportation has always been a huge problem in the north, and the cost-of-living index reflects this (165.3 in Los Angeles versus 120.2 in San Diego).
We must pay a little more for food and food (109.7 in San Diego and 104.1 in Los Angeles). All in all, Los Angeles is 9.9% more expensive than San Diego. San Diego is one of the least affordable areas in the country, where housing, gas prices, utilities and other costs are of concern. For those who choose to give up driving altogether, San Diego offers an accessible public transportation system.
While San Diego is the fourteenth most expensive city in the United States, the City of Los Angeles easily surpasses it in eighth place. San Diegoans consider themselves fortunate to live along sparkling coastlines, soaking up an average of 266 days of sunshine a year. If so, your housing costs will be higher and you'll need to factor the future cost of childcare and education into your long-term budget. With so much to do in San Diego and so many amazing restaurants to enjoy, you'll need a pay raise.
If you compare the average home price here with the average income, a higher portion of income is required to pay for a home here than anywhere else in the country. The difference in the overall index isn't that great, but Santee is a little more expensive than Oceanside. San Diego is known for its high cost of living, which requires a decent wage to enjoy what the city has to offer. You'll find live entertainment and shop windows at San Diego's Embarcadero or in beautiful parks and trails like Mission Bay Park.
However, despite its high cost of living, it is still cheaper than other California access points, such as San Francisco. Renters looking to become homeowners face stiff competition in San Diego, as city home prices continue to rise and outperform much of Southern California. Inflation in San Diego was 8.2% in January compared to a year ago, and is above the national average, which stands at 7.5%. Even so, transportation costs are slightly higher than Los Angeles and 30.4 percent higher than the national average.
However, as in any city, the cost of living in San Diego will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and housing circumstances. The San Diego Metropolitan Transportation System provides bus and trolley services throughout San Diego County, including an exclusive line for the University of California, San Diego.