Cost of Living: Phoenix vs San Diego (2026)

Phoenix vs San Diego cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Diego is about 8% more expensive than Phoenix overall — $100,000 in Phoenix is worth about $108,296 in San Diego.

San Diego is about 8% more expensive than Phoenix overall — $100,000 in Phoenix is worth about $108,296 in San Diego.

Phoenix vs San Diego: the numbers

MetricPhoenixSan DiegoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103112+8%
Median rent$1,458$2,223+52%
Median home value$381,900$848,500+122%
Median household income$77,041$104,321+35%

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 Phoenix has the same buying power as about $108,296 in San Diego. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Diego is like $92,340 in Phoenix.

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

Compare any salary: Phoenix vs San Diego

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 112 vs 103 — a 8% difference. Your money goes further in Phoenix.

About $108,296 — that's what you'd need in San Diego to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Phoenix.