Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
San Diego is 18% more affordable than Brooklyn. A $75,000 salary in Brooklyn is equivalent to $61,538 in San Diego.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Brooklyn has a housing index of 325 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Brooklyn costs $780,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,900 in Brooklyn versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Brooklyn scores 108 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Brooklyn (108) are higher than San Diego (107).
Median household income in Brooklyn is $65,294 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Diego.
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