Raleigh vs San Diego: cost of living compared
San Diego is 58% more expensive than Raleigh overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in NC vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Raleigh to San Diego represents a substantial increase in overall living expenses. The most significant factor driving this difference is the cost of housing, which is considerably higher in San Diego. While other categories like food, transportation, and utilities also show San Diego as more expensive, the gap in housing costs creates the largest impact on a household budget when comparing these two metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing costs are dramatically different between the two cities. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are much higher in San Diego. Raleigh's housing market is closer to the national average, while San Diego's is well above it. Beyond mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, contributing to the overall expense of homeownership or renting in each location.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably higher in San Diego compared to Raleigh. Additionally, California has a state income tax rate that is significantly higher than North Carolina's. This combination means that everything from groceries to medical care, and even the portion of income kept after taxes, will require a larger budget in San Diego.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Raleigh offers a climate with four distinct seasons, including humid summers and mild winters, and generally has a more relaxed pace. San Diego boasts a Mediterranean climate with consistently mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, characteristic of a coastal environment. Both cities are car-dependent, with average commute times being roughly similar, though San Diego's density can sometimes lead to more congested travel.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the financial implications are substantial. A budget that is comfortable in Raleigh will need significant adjustment for San Diego, primarily due to the much higher housing costs. While other daily expenses and state income taxes also contribute to a higher cost of living in San Diego, the difference in housing is the most critical factor to evaluate for financial planning.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 158 |
| Housing index | 106 | 214 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 109 |
| Food index | 95 | 110 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 138 |
| Misc index | 90 | 115 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $835,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific San Diego home with the True Cost Calculator.