Los Angeles vs San Diego: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Los Angeles's median home value is $822,600 — 5% higher than San Diego's $783,300.
Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles versus $98,657 in San Diego.
Typical rent runs $1,791 in Los Angeles and $2,080 in San Diego.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,881,041 | 1,383,987 |
| Median home value | $822,600 | $783,300 |
| Median household income | $76,244 | $98,657 |
| Median gross rent | $1,791 | $2,080 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Housing costs are mixed: San Diego, CA has the lower median home value while Los Angeles, CA has lower median rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.