| Los Angeles | San Diego |
| 🚶 Cost of living one person | $3274 | $3451 |
| 👨👩👧👦 Cost of living Family | $7712 | $7610 |
| 🏠 One person rent | $2096 | $2386 |
| 🏘️ Family rent | $3884 | $4146 |
| 🍽️ Food expenses | $694 | $708 |
| 🚐 Transport expenses | $289 | $183 |
| 💳 Monthly salary after tax | $5956 | $5590 |
| 😷 Air quality | Good | Excellent |
| ✈️ Airport proximity | 17 km | 3 km |
| 🎓 Higher education | 99 | 87 |
| 😀 Quality of life | 94 | 91 |
| 🏙️ Population | 3.9M | 1.39M |
The cost of living in Los Angeles is 5% less expensive than in San Diego. Cities ranked 45th and 24th ($3274 vs $3451) in the list of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 40th and 21st in the United States.
The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 1.8 months in Los Angeles compared to 1.6 months in San Diego. Ranked 5th vs 15th best cities to live in the United States, and 49th vs 107th among the best cities to live in the world.
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I'm an expert in urban economics and living standards, and I have a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to the cost of living in different cities. My expertise is based on extensive research, analysis, and firsthand experience in studying urban environments. Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about the cost of living in Los Angeles and San Diego.
1. Cost of Living:
- For a single person, the cost of living in Los Angeles is $3,274, while in San Diego, it's slightly higher at $3,451.
- When it comes to family living costs, Los Angeles is at $7,712, and San Diego is at $7,610.
2. Rent:
- The average rent for one person in Los Angeles is $2,096, whereas in San Diego, it's $2,386.
- Family rent is $3,884 in Los Angeles and $4,146 in San Diego.
3. Expenses:
- Food expenses are $694 in Los Angeles and slightly higher at $708 in San Diego.
- Transport expenses are $289 in Los Angeles and $183 in San Diego.
4. Monthly Salary After Tax:
- After-tax monthly salary is $5,956 in Los Angeles and slightly lower at $5,590 in San Diego.
5. Quality of Life Indicators:
- Air quality is rated as Good in Los Angeles and Excellent in San Diego.
- Airport proximity is 17 km in Los Angeles and significantly closer at 3 km in San Diego.
- Higher education institutions are more numerous in Los Angeles with a score of 99 compared to San Diego's 87.
- Quality of life is rated at 94 in Los Angeles and 91 in San Diego.
6. Population:
- Los Angeles has a larger population of 3.9 million compared to San Diego's 1.39 million.
7. Rankings:
- The cost of living in Los Angeles is reported to be 5% less expensive than in San Diego.
- Both cities are ranked 45th and 24th among the most expensive cities in the world, and 40th and 21st in the United States.
- The average after-tax salary in Los Angeles covers living expenses for 1.8 months, while in San Diego, it covers 1.6 months.
- In terms of best cities to live in the United States, Los Angeles is ranked 5th, whereas San Diego is ranked 15th.
- Globally, Los Angeles is ranked 49th among the best cities to live, while San Diego is ranked 107th.
This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed comparison of various aspects of living in Los Angeles and San Diego, offering valuable insights into the economic and lifestyle differences between these two cities. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask.
FAQs
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 4.2% higher than in Los Angeles, CA. You would have to earn a salary of $62,536 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in San Diego, CA typically pay -3.6% less than employers in Los Angeles, CA.
Is San Diego higher cost of living than Los Angeles? ›
San Diego is the most expensive place to live in the U.S., according to a new analysis from U.S. News and World Report. Los Angeles ranks second, followed by Honolulu, Miami and Santa Barbara, Calif.
Is rent higher in Los Angeles than San Diego? ›
Since April 2022, Zumper data shows San Diego rent prices have surpassed L.A.'s a total of nine times with the most recent occurrence reflecting rates for June 2023.
Is San Diego considered high cost of living? ›
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 3% higher than the state average and 42% higher than the national average. San Diego, CA housing is 116% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 6% pricier.
Is Los Angeles considered high cost of living? ›
With an average cost of living of $3,277, Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the US.
What is the #1 most expensive city in the US? ›
New York City is not only the most expensive to live in the US but also one of the most expensive place to live in the world.
What is the most unaffordable city in California? ›
In the publication's rankings for 2023-2024, San Diego was deemed the most unaffordable metro area based on median gross rent and annual housing costs for mortgage-paying homeowners.
What is considered a good salary in San Diego? ›
The median salary in San Diego, CA is $73,080, with 80% of salaries falling between $31,320 and $156,600. Salaries in San Diego, CA are generally above the national average.
Is it better to live in LA or San Diego? ›
Deciding whether to live in San Diego or Los Angeles depends on what suits you best. San Diego's relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches make it perfect for those who enjoy nature. In contrast, Los Angeles offers a vibrant cultural scene and diverse neighborhoods, but you'll have to deal with the city's infamous traffic.
Is San Diego friendlier than LA? ›
Relaxed Atmosphere: Compared to the bustling and fast-paced vibe of Los Angeles, San Diego offers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. The city has a friendly and welcoming vibe, which contributes to a slower pace of life and a sense of tranquility.
What is the most unaffordable city in the US? ›
These are the least affordable U.S. cities for 2023-2024: report. SAN DIEGO (KSWB) – It is no secret that San Diego can be pretty pricy for residents, but cost of living has catapulted the city to the top spot in a U.S. News & World Report ranking of most expensive places to live in the country.
Is San Diego the most unaffordable city? ›
San Diego has clinched the top position on the 2023-2024 list of the Most Expensive Places to Reside in the United States, a ranking released by U.S. News & World Report. The report assesses cities by considering the median gross rent and annual housing expenditures for homeowners with mortgages.
Is $80,000 enough to live in Los Angeles? ›
A single person needs upwards of $80,000 a year to live comfortably in California, survey data shows.
Is $100 000 a good salary in Los Angeles? ›
Today it's considered low-income, at least in Los Angeles.
What is a livable salary in Los Angeles? ›
As a rule of thumb, a good salary in Los Angeles is between $100k and $200k gross per year. Based on the cost of living in Los Angeles, this should come down to a minimum of $76,710 yearly after taxes.
How much more expensive is LA than San Diego? ›
San Diego wins by a nose as it's, on average, 13% more affordable than LA. With a score of 160/100 for San Diego vs 173/100 for Los Angeles, one thing's for sure; both cities are expensive. (Just FYI, 100 is the national average. So 160/100 means San Diegans pay 60% more for housing than the average American.)
How much does it cost to live in LA compared to San Diego? ›
Cost of Living Comparison Between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA. You would need around 8,264.3$ in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 7,800.0$ in Los Angeles, CA (assuming you rent in both cities).
Is San Diego a better city than Los Angeles? ›
There are more tourist attractions, more affordable accommodations, a wide variety of food, and a unique LA culture not found elsewhere in the state. LA is also the better option for sports fans, business people, and budget travelers. San Diego is the better choice for travelers who don't like big crowds.
