Moving from San Francisco to San Diego (2026)
San Diego has a COL index of 148 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in San Diego to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in San Diego |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,515 |
| $50K | $38,144 |
| $60K | $45,773 |
| $75K | $57,216 |
| $80K | $61,031 |
| $100K | $76,289 |
| $120K | $91,546 |
| $150K | $114,433 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs San Diego
| Expense | San Francisco | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $448 | $414 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $160 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $850 |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 148 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to San Diego?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to San Diego could save roughly $1,069/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,828/year.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $57,216/year in San Diego. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only