El Cajon, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
El Cajon has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | El Cajon | San Diego | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 141 | 180 | El Cajon |
| Housing | 182 ($1,253) | 244 ($1,556) | El Cajon |
| Transportation | 111 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Diego |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 140 ($574) | El Cajon |
| Utilities | 141 ($328) | 172 ($439) | El Cajon |
| Healthcare | 141 ($237) | 172 ($317) | El Cajon |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper to live in?
El Cajon, CA is cheaper overall by about 39 index points (El Cajon, CA: 141, San Diego, CA: 180; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in El Cajon, CA vs San Diego, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $49,350/year in El Cajon, CA and $63,000/year in San Diego, CA to cover basic living costs.