San Diego vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, San Diego comes in at $783,300 — 42% lower than San Francisco, where the median is $1,348,700.
San Diego's median household income runs $98,657, against $136,689 in San Francisco.
Median rent is $2,080 in San Diego, compared with $2,316 in San Francisco.
Neither city stands out on hazard risk: FEMA rates both "Very High."
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,987 | 851,036 |
| Median home value | $783,300 | $1,348,700 |
| Median household income | $98,657 | $136,689 |
| Median gross rent | $2,080 | $2,316 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
San Diego, CA comes out ahead on housing affordability versus San Francisco, CA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
Moving between San Diego and San Francisco
San Diego and San Francisco are 475 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | San Diego → San Francisco | San Francisco → San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$236/mo (+11%) | −$236/mo (−10%) |
| Median home value | +$565,400 (+72%) | −$565,400 (−42%) |
| Median household income | +$38,032 (+39%) | −$38,032 (−28%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $904 – $1,413 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,359 – $3,648 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $4,151 – $6,393 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA
546 miles estimated driving distance · 9.1 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$669 – $851
Includes an estimated $191 in fuel (55 gal at ~10 mpg) over 1 driving day.
Professional Movers
$3,118 – $5,526
Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.
Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.