Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Miami is 21% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $59,531 in Miami.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Miami has a housing index of 172 while San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Miami scores 108 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Miami.
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