Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Asheville is 32% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $50,625 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $440,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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