Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Boston and San Diego have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than San Diego (107).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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