Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Boulder is 8% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $69,375 in Boulder.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boulder.
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