Moving from Los Angeles to San Diego (2026)
San Diego has a COL index of 148 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in San Diego to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in San Diego |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,220 |
| $50K | $42,775 |
| $60K | $51,329 |
| $75K | $64,162 |
| $80K | $68,439 |
| $100K | $85,549 |
| $120K | $102,659 |
| $150K | $128,324 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs San Diego
| Expense | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $410 | $414 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $145 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $850 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $216 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 148 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to San Diego?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to San Diego saves roughly $200/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,400/year.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $64,162/year in San Diego. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only