Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 111.9 in San Diego, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 3.2% less expensive than San Diego; housing rents differ by 17% (148.4 vs 179.3). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $77,508 buys in San Diego, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | San Diego | Boston vs San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 111.9 | -3.2% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 108.0 | -7.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 179.3 | -17.2% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 174.2 | -14.6% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 99.6 | +4.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 113.7 | -5.3% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in San Diego | $51,672 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in San Diego | $103,345 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in San Diego | $155,017 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.