Is San Francisco or San Diego more affordable?
San Francisco has a median rent of $2,130/month, while San Diego is $2,100/month. San Diego is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
San Francisco, CA vs San Diego, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between San Francisco and San Diego.
1
San Francisco wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
4
San Diego wins
CA
San Francisco
vs
CA
San Diego
Overview
865,933
Population
1,386,932
$126,187✓
Median Income
-36.9%$79,685
Cost of Living
$2,130
Median Rent / mo
-1.4%$2,100✓
$1,194,500
Median Home Price
-34.7%$780,000✓
20%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
13.30%
State Income Tax
9.30%✓
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate & Weather
55.62°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
48.76°F
Avg Low Temp
55°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
266 days✓
N/A
Annual Rainfall
12"
Who should choose
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a city in California with a population of 865,933.
Read full San Francisco guide →Who should choose
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a city in California with a population of 1,386,932.
Read full San Diego guide →San Francisco vs San Diego — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — San Francisco or San Diego?
California has a 13.30% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. San Diego wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between San Francisco and San Diego?
San Diego gets 266 sunny days/year. Avg high in San Francisco: 55.62°F. Avg high in San Diego: 70°F
Which city is better for families — San Francisco or San Diego?
San Francisco. San Diego. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.