San Diego vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Comparing home values: San Diego sits at $783,300, 11% lower than Seattle's $879,900.
San Diego's median household income runs $98,657, against $116,068 in Seattle.
Monthly rent typically costs $2,080 in San Diego and $1,945 in Seattle.
Neither city stands out on hazard risk: FEMA rates both "Very High."
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,987 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $783,300 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $98,657 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $2,080 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
It's a split decision on housing: San Diego, CA wins on home value, Seattle, WA wins on rent. Neither comes out ahead on both.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.