Moving from San Francisco to San Diego?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your San Francisco lifestyle in San Diego, you'd need to earn:
$72,599/year
▼ $2,401 less than you make now
| Category | San Francisco | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $72,599 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,586 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,501 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,053 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,294 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $56,165 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -3.2% in San Diego
- Housing is -7.9% in San Diego
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~458 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: San Francisco to San Diego
| Your San Francisco Salary | San Diego Equivalent | Difference | San Diego Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,720 | -$1,280 | $32,219 |
| $50,000 | $48,400 | -$1,600 | $39,446 |
| $60,000 | $58,080 | -$1,920 | $46,599 |
| $75,000 | $72,599 | -$2,401 | $56,165 |
| $100,000 | $96,799 | -$3,201 | $70,939 |
| $150,000 | $145,199 | -$4,801 | $99,951 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How San Francisco and San Diego Compare
Housing (8% cheaper in San Diego)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego rents for $2,195/month compared to $3,657/month in San Francisco. Median home prices: $895,000 in San Diego vs $1,181,000 in San Francisco.
Taxes
California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%.
Overall Cost of Living
San Diego's overall cost of living is 3.2% lower than San Francisco, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).San Francisco: 115.6, San Diego: 111.9.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your San Francisco to San Diego move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
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.
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