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Side-by-side comparison

New York City vs San Diego

Cost of living comparison for New York City, New York and San Diego, California.

Bottom line

New York City is approximately 18% more expensive than San Diego. A single person needs about $5,319/mo in New York City versus $4,511/mo in San Diego.

Rent in New York City vs San Diego

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

New York City · Studio
$2,406
San Diego · Studio
$2,145
New York City is $261 (12%) higher than San Diego
New York City · 1 bedroom
$2,511
San Diego · 1 bedroom
$2,328
New York City is $183 (8%) higher than San Diego
New York City · 2 bedroom
$2,780
San Diego · 2 bedroom
$2,881
San Diego is $101 (4%) higher than New York City
New York City · 3 bedroom
$3,465
San Diego · 3 bedroom
$3,852
San Diego is $387 (11%) higher than New York City

Income & earnings in New York City vs San Diego

Annual figures from Census ACS.

New York City · Household income
$104,553
San Diego · Household income
$102,285
New York City is $2,268 (2%) higher than San Diego
New York City · Individual earnings
$75,255
San Diego · Individual earnings
$49,552
New York City is $25,703 (52%) higher than San Diego
New York City · Per capita
$94,922
San Diego · Per capita
$49,891
New York City is $45,031 (90%) higher than San Diego

Home values in New York City vs San Diego

Average values and property tax.

New York City · Average home value
$1,108,900
San Diego · Average home value
$791,600
New York City is $317,300 (40%) higher than San Diego
New York City · Annual property tax
$10,001
San Diego · Annual property tax
$5,542
New York City is $4,459 (80%) higher than San Diego

Energy in New York City vs San Diego

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

New York City · Monthly electricity
$140
San Diego · Monthly electricity
$167
San Diego is $27 (19%) higher than New York City
New York City · Monthly gas
$68
San Diego · Monthly gas
$50
New York City is $18 (36%) higher than San Diego
New York City · Annual total
$2,496
San Diego · Annual total
$2,604
San Diego is $108 (4%) higher than New York City

Healthcare in New York City vs San Diego

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

New York City · Individual premium
$480
San Diego · Individual premium
$480
New York City and San Diego are about the same
New York City · Family premium
$1,350
San Diego · Family premium
$1,350
New York City and San Diego are about the same
New York City · Uninsured rate
4.3%
San Diego · Uninsured rate
6.8%
San Diego is 2.5% (58%) higher than New York City

Taxes in New York City vs San Diego

State income and sales tax.

New York City · State income tax
10.9%
San Diego · State income tax
13.3%
San Diego is 2.4% (22%) higher than New York City
New York City · State sales tax
4.0%
San Diego · State sales tax
7.3%
San Diego is 3.3% (81%) higher than New York City
New York City · Combined sales tax
8.5%
San Diego · Combined sales tax
8.8%
San Diego is 0.3% (4%) higher than New York City

Transportation in New York City vs San Diego

Commute time and travel modes.

New York City · Average commute
31.4 min
San Diego · Average commute
25.9 min
New York City is 5.5 min (21%) higher than San Diego
New York City · Drive alone
5.7%
San Diego · Drive alone
67.6%
San Diego is 61.9% (1086%) higher than New York City
New York City · Public transit
45.5%
San Diego · Public transit
2.2%
New York City is 43.3% (1968%) higher than San Diego

Monthly cost estimates in New York City vs San Diego

All categories combined.

New York City · Single person
$5,319
San Diego · Single person
$4,511
New York City is $808 (18%) higher than San Diego
New York City · Couple
$6,684
San Diego · Couple
$6,941
San Diego is $257 (4%) higher than New York City
New York City · Family
$9,554
San Diego · Family
$10,119
San Diego is $565 (6%) higher than New York City

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing New York City and San Diego.

Is New York City or San Diego more expensive?

New York City is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $5,319/mo in New York City, New York and $4,511/mo in San Diego, California, a difference of about 18%.

What is the rent difference between New York City and San Diego?

Average one-bedroom rent in New York City, New York is $2,511/mo versus $2,328/mo in San Diego, California. New York City is approximately $183 (8%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, New York City or San Diego?

New York City has the higher average household income. New York City households earn approximately $104,553 per year; San Diego households earn approximately $102,285 per year.

More on New York City and San Diego

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.