🇺🇸 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

CategorySan 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