Irvine, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Diego has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Irvine | San Diego | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 225 | 180 | San Diego |
| Housing | 320 ($2,025) | 244 ($1,556) | San Diego |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 174 ($713) | 140 ($574) | San Diego |
| Utilities | 210 ($576) | 172 ($439) | San Diego |
| Healthcare | 210 ($416) | 172 ($317) | San Diego |
| 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 Irvine, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper to live in?
San Diego, CA is cheaper overall by about 45 index points (Irvine, CA: 225, San Diego, CA: 180; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Irvine, CA vs San Diego, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $78,750/year in Irvine, CA and $63,000/year in San Diego, CA to cover basic living costs.