Moving from San Jose to San Diego (2026)
San Diego has a COL index of 148 vs 189 for San Jose (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in San Diego to match your San Jose lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Jose | Equivalent in San Diego |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,323 |
| $50K | $39,153 |
| $60K | $46,984 |
| $75K | $58,730 |
| $80K | $62,646 |
| $100K | $78,307 |
| $120K | $93,968 |
| $150K | $117,460 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Jose vs San Diego
| Expense | San Jose | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $2,600 |
| Groceries | $437 | $414 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $150 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $402 | $850 |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego cheaper than San Jose?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 148 vs 189 for San Jose (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Jose to San Diego?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Jose to San Diego could save roughly $448/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,376/year.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my San Jose lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Jose, you'd need roughly $58,730/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