Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 111.9 in San Diego, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 2.7% less expensive than San Diego; housing rents differ by 16% (151.1 vs 179.3). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $77,068 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) | Washington | San Diego | Washington vs San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 111.9 | -2.7% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 108.0 | -2.9% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 179.3 | -15.7% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 174.2 | -38.8% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 99.6 | +2.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 113.7 | +0.9% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in San Diego | $51,379 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in San Diego | $102,758 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in San Diego | $154,137 |
Related
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- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Tampa, FL (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.