🇺🇸 Los Angeles vs 🇺🇸 San Diego
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
🇺🇸
San Diego
United States
$2,708–$4,287/mo
$2,708 – $4,287 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 5% more expensive
San Diego wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles (USD) | San Diego (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $85–$164 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $429–$643 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $56–$102 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $107–$130 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $34–$56 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $39–$73 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $16–$20 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 San Diego |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.1 / 10 · 4.2 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
San Diego
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Los Angeles
San Diego▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs San Diego
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓Weather
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Biotech
- ✓Defense tech
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📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →📊
Full San Diego guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Diego →