🇺🇸 New York vs 🇺🇸 San Diego

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

New York

United States

$3,077–$4,872/mo

$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)

🇺🇸

San Diego

United States

$2,708–$4,287/mo

$2,708 – $4,287 / month (local)

New York is 14% more expensive

San Diego wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryNew York (USD)San Diego (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,308–$3,590$2,031–$3,159🟢 San Diego
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,218–$1,923$1,072–$1,692🟢 San Diego
Utilities$96–$186$85–$164🟢 San Diego
Groceries$487–$731$429–$643🟢 San Diego
Eating out (mid-range meal)$64–$115$56–$102🟢 San Diego
Public transport (monthly)$122–$147$107–$130🟢 San Diego
Internet & Mobile$38–$64$34–$56🟢 San Diego
Gym membership$45–$83$39–$73🟢 San Diego
Cinema ticket$18–$23$16–$20🟢 San Diego
Monthly total (single)$3,077–$4,872$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

Housing2.7 / 10 · 4.2 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
New York
San Diego▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose New York if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs San Diego
  • Career opportunities
  • Culture
  • Transit
  • Finance

Choose San Diego if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
  • Weather
  • Beaches
  • Biotech
  • Defense tech

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Full New York guide

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Full San Diego guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore San Diego