Cost of Living: New York vs San Diego (2026)

New York vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 1% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $99,399 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 1% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $99,399 in San Diego.

New York vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricNew YorkSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)113112-1%
Median rent$1,779$2,223+25%
Median home value$751,700$848,500+13%
Median household income$79,713$104,321+31%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in New York has the same buying power as about $99,399 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $100,604 in New York.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between New York and San Diego.

Compare any salary: New York vs San Diego

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 112 — a 1% difference. Your money goes further in San Diego.

About $99,399 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York.