🇺🇸 San Diego vs 🇺🇸 Seattle
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
San Diego
United States
$2,708–$4,287/mo
$2,708 – $4,287 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Seattle
United States
$2,954–$4,677/mo
$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)
Seattle is 9% more expensive
San Diego wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | San Diego (USD) | Seattle (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,031–$3,159 | $2,215–$3,446 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,072–$1,692 | $1,169–$1,846 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Utilities | $85–$164 | $92–$178 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Groceries | $429–$643 | $468–$702 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $56–$102 | $62–$111 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Public transport (monthly) | $107–$130 | $117–$142 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Internet & Mobile | $34–$56 | $37–$62 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Gym membership | $39–$73 | $43–$80 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Cinema ticket | $16–$20 | $17–$22 | 🟢 San Diego |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,708–$4,287 | $2,954–$4,677 | 🟢 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
Housing4.2 / 10 · 3.0 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Safety8.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Healthcare8.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Education8.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Environment9.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Economy7.6 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Culture8.2 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Internet8.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
San Diego▲ better
Seattle
Who should choose which city?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seattle
- ✓Weather
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Biotech
- ✓Defense tech
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seattle offers vs San Diego
- ✓Tech jobs
- ✓Nature access
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni
You might also like…
📊
Full San Diego guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Diego →📊
Full Seattle guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seattle →