Moving from Boston to San Diego?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Boston lifestyle in San Diego, you'd need to earn:
$77,801/year
▲ $2,801 more than you make now
| Category | Boston | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $77,801 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,730 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,824 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,128 |
| State Tax | -$3,750 | -$3,778 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,399 | $59,341 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +3.4% in San Diego
- Housing is +20.8% in San Diego
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $233/year in taxes in San Diego
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~2,579 miles
DIY Truck
$5,000
Container
$8,500
Full-Service
$12,000
Salary Equivalents: Boston to San Diego
| Your Boston Salary | San Diego Equivalent | Difference | San Diego Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $40,058 | +$58 | $33,240 |
| $50,000 | $50,526 | +$526 | $41,027 |
| $60,000 | $61,173 | +$1,173 | $48,837 |
| $75,000 | $77,801 | +$2,801 | $59,341 |
| $100,000 | $105,436 | +$5,436 | $76,212 |
| $150,000 | $161,062 | +$11,062 | $109,318 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Boston and San Diego Compare
Housing (21% more expensive in San Diego)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego rents for $2,195/month compared to $2,950/month in Boston. Median home prices: $895,000 in San Diego vs $825,000 in Boston.
Taxes
Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to San Diego would save you about $233/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
San Diego's overall cost of living is 3.4% higher than Boston, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Boston: 108.3, San Diego: 111.9.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Boston to San Diego move. Average cost: $5,000–$12,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in San Diego
Average 1BR rent in San Diego: $2,195/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →