La Mesa, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
La Mesa has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | La Mesa | San Diego | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 159 | 180 | La Mesa |
| Housing | 212 ($1,371) | 244 ($1,556) | La Mesa |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Diego |
| Food & groceries | 113 ($463) | 140 ($574) | La Mesa |
| Utilities | 156 ($382) | 172 ($439) | La Mesa |
| Healthcare | 156 ($276) | 172 ($317) | La Mesa |
| 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 La Mesa, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper to live in?
La Mesa, CA is cheaper overall by about 21 index points (La Mesa, CA: 159, San Diego, CA: 180; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in La Mesa, CA vs San Diego, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $55,650/year in La Mesa, CA and $63,000/year in San Diego, CA to cover basic living costs.