If you’re thinking about relocating to the sunny state of California, you may be interested in finding apartments in San Diego, CA, or rentals in San Francisco, CA. Both cities offer unique lifestyles and strong job markets, but their cost of living and vibes are quite different. Whether you’re deciding between enjoying San Diego’s beaches and laid-back atmosphere or San Francisco’s high-energy, tech-centric environment, it’s important to understand what each city has to offer.
There’s a lot to consider, from weather to job opportunities and more. Let’s explore the key differences in this Redfin article to help you find the city that suits you best.
Two California cities: San Diego vs San Francisco in size and population
San Diego and San Francisco are both iconic California cities, but they differ significantly in how they utilize their space and accommodate their populations. San Diego spans a sprawling 372 square miles, offering a mix of suburban neighborhoods, coastal communities, and urban centers. In contrast, San Francisco is much more compact, covering just 47 square miles, making it one of the densest cities in the U.S.
San Diego has a population of about 1.4 million, with a population density of roughly 4,300 people per square mile. Its larger size allows for a more relaxed, open feel, with many residents living close to beaches or parks. San Francisco, despite its smaller geographic footprint, is home to approximately 874,000 people, resulting in a much higher population density of around 17,300 people per square mile. The tightly packed nature of San Francisco, combined with its vertical landscape and iconic hills, creates a fast-paced, bustling atmosphere, especially in its dense downtown areas.
Cost of living in San Diego vs San Francisco
Overall, the cost of living in San Diego is about 18% lower than in San Francisco. While both cities are known for being expensive, San Francisco’s combination of limited housing, high demand, and a booming tech sector significantly elevates everyday costs compared to the more relaxed, spread-out nature of San Diego.
1. Utilities
Utilities in San Diego are about 23% cheaper than in San Francisco. Thanks to its mild and steady climate, San Diego residents need less energy for heating and cooling throughout the year. In contrast, San Francisco’s older housing and cooler temperatures require more heating, which drives up utility costs.
2. Groceries
Groceries in San Diego are approximately 7% lower than in San Francisco. San Diego’s proximity to California’s agricultural heartland allows for more affordable, fresher produce, while San Francisco, with its higher demand and reliance on importing goods from farther distances, sees elevated grocery prices.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs in San Francisco are about 4% higher than in San Diego. San Francisco’s dense urban environment leads to high parking fees and an extensive reliance on public transportation, which drives up costs. In comparison, San Diego’s car-dependent culture balances out costs, with lower expenses related to parking but slightly higher fuel consumption.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare costs in San Diego are about 21% lower than in San Francisco. San Francisco’s expensive real estate for medical facilities and the high demand for specialized healthcare services contribute to significantly higher healthcare expenses. San Diego’s more affordable and widespread healthcare options help keep costs lower.
5. Lifestyle
Lifestyle expenses in San Diego are about 6% lower than in San Francisco. While both cities offer a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities, San Francisco’s dense living conditions and premium real estate push up the cost of services like dining, fitness, and events. San Diego, with its more spacious and relaxed environment, offers slightly more affordable lifestyle options.
Housing in San Diego vs San Francisco
Housing in San Diego
San Diego’s housing market is known for its mix of beachfront properties, suburban homes, and urban apartments. The city’s layout is spread out, with San Diego neighborhoods offering a more relaxed, laid-back feel compared to larger metropolitan areas. You’ll find everything from luxury high-rises in downtown San Diego to coastal bungalows in neighborhoods like La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Outdoor living is a key part of San Diego’s lifestyle, with homes often featuring patios, backyards, and large windows to enjoy the city’s year-round pleasant weather.
Housing options:
- Studio Apartment: The average rent for a studio apartment in San Diego is about $2,324 per month, varying by location and proximity to the coast.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: A one-bedroom apartment in San Diego typically costs around $2,830 per month in popular areas like Little Italy, Hillcrest, or Gaslamp Quarter.
- Median Home Cost: The median home price in San Diego is around $970,000, with a range of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses, particularly in coastal areas.
Housing in San Francisco
Housing in San Francisco is characterized by density and high demand, with limited space driving up prices. The city’s unique architecture includes historic Victorian homes, modern high-rise condos, and famous townhomes. Popular San Francisco neighborhoods like Mission District, SoMa, and Nob Hill offer a mix of modern and classic living spaces, but at a premium price. Due to space constraints, outdoor areas like terraces and rooftop decks are common substitutes for backyards, especially in central San Francisco.
Housing options:
The job market in San Diego vs San Francisco
San Diego: Military, tourism, and biotechnology powerhouse
San Diego boasts a strong and diverse economy, with key sectors including military defense, biotechnology, tourism, and healthcare. The city’s employment rate is around 63%, and its median household income of approximately $106,000, and a mean hourly wage of about $36.54. The military, anchored by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, is one of the largest employers in San Diego, contributing significantly to the local economy. San Diego’s thriving biotech industry, led by companies like Illumina and Pfizer, has positioned the city as a hub for innovation and research. Tourism also plays a critical role, with attractions like the San Diego Zoo and the city’s beautiful beaches drawing millions of visitors annually. In healthcare, major institutions like Scripps Health and Sharp Healthcare are significant employers, contributing to the city’s overall economic health.
San Francisco: A Global tech and finance hub
San Francisco’s job market is heavily influenced by its global reputation as a center for technology and finance. The city’s employment rate is around 66%, with a median household income of $127,000, and a mean hourly wage of $36.54. The tech sector dominates, with global companies like Google, Salesforce, and Twitter headquartered in the area, along with a thriving startup ecosystem. San Francisco is also a key player in the financial sector, with firms like Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab contributing to the city’s economic strength. The healthcare and biotech industries are significant as well, with companies like Genentech and Kaiser Permanente playing major roles in the local job market. Despite the city’s high cost of living, the opportunities for high-paying jobs in tech, finance, and healthcare attract top talent from around the world.
Transportation in San Diego vs San Francisco
San Diego is primarily a car-centric city, with many residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting due to its spread-out nature. Major highways like I-5, I-15, and I-805 connect various parts of the city. While the San Diego Trolley provides public transportation along key routes, and buses serve broader areas, public transit usage is lower than in denser cities. San Diego’s relatively mild traffic compared to Los Angeles makes driving more manageable, and the city has embraced biking and electric scooters, especially in downtown and beach areas.
San Francisco, by contrast, is known for its robust public transportation system, which includes BART, Muni buses, streetcars, and