Ah, my favorite place, is California. There is nothing like it. Glorious weather, amazing coffee, and breathtaking views—you name it, and California will deliver. When speaking of SoCal, few places like San Diego and Los Angeles capture the imagination. Beneath their allure lies a world of differences that define living in these cities.
Although my life is in San Diego, there was a time when I was seriously considering Los Angeles as my home. But San Diego won that race.
Comparing Living in San Diego vs Los Angeles
Several factors come into play when comparing life in these two SoCal cities.
Cost of Living
- One of the most significant differences between the two cities is the cost of living. While both cities are undeniably expensive, Los Angeles tends to be on the pricier side.
- Housing costs in Los Angeles are among the highest in the nation, with average rents exceeding $2,800 for a one-bed apartment and the median home price well over $900,000.
- San Diego is slightly more affordable with the median home price around $700,000 and rent of $2,500 for a one-bed space.
Job Opportunities
- LA offers a wide variety of opportunities, especially in industries like entertainment, media, and fashion.
- San Diego has a smaller but robust job market. Key industries include biotechnology, tourism, and healthcare. While the opportunities may not be as abundant as in LA, San Diego offers stable job markets.
Diversity and Community
- LA is a hotbed of ethnic diversity, with a significant population from almost every continent. This diversity influences everything from food to culture, making LA a global city.
- San Diego’s diversity is less pronounced than LA’s. The city has a strong military presence that influences its culture.
Family-Friendliness
- LA can be more challenging for families due to higher living costs, longer commutes, and fewer open spaces. However, neighborhoods like Pasadena, Glendale, and the South Bay are more popular among families seeking a suburban feel near the city.
- San Diego takes the lead with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and family-oriented attractions. LEGOLAND and the San Diego Zoo are just two examples of the city’s kid-friendly offerings.
Weather
- LA’s weather is pleasant but varies more depending on the neighborhood. Coastal regions such as Santa Monica enjoy mild conditions similar to San Diego whereas the inland neighborhoods such as the San Fernando Valley can experience extreme heat in the summers.
- San Diego’s climate is often described as near-perfect, with temperatures averaging 70F. The city experiences less smog and a more consistent coast breeze in comparison to LA.
Lifestyle and Pace
- Trust me when I say that San Diego offers a relaxed beach-town vibe. Even in the downtown area, I feel a sense of calm and peace. For me, the biggest factor is the city’s appreciation for work-life balance. On weekdays until 5, I am at work and evenings I get the time to surf or just relax at the beach.
- Los Angeles, however, never stops. People are hustling and bustling fueled by the culture and energy. It is indeed exhilarating, but that is not the lifestyle for me as it gets overwhelming. But, if you are someone who enjoys nightlife, social scenes, and partying, LA might be for you.
Is San Diego Cheaper than LA?
While both cities are infamous for their high costs, San Diego is slightly cheaper than LA. The biggest factor is housing. LA will stretch you financially whereas San Diego might go smoother.
Beyond housing, daily expenses in San Diego such as utilities, groceries, and transportation also are less expensive. For instance, gas expenses and automobile insurance in LA are much higher due to the notoriously well-known traffic.
You can see that the cost difference between San Diego and Los Angeles is not drastic. It is basically similar to NYC and Connecticut. Ultimately, San Diego is cheaper out of the two, but it won’t be the case if you possess an LA lifestyle.
Is Moving to San Diego A Good Idea?
America’s Finest City has been a favorite for people (myself included) over several years. I feel the city’s intoxicating allure is what draws people towards it. In recent years, three of my friends have moved to San Diego from other Californian cities.
Overall Costs
- If you are moving from a lower-cost area, San Diego will be an adjustment.
- Budgeting carefully and securing a consistently stable income will be key to enjoying life in San Diego.
Thriving Economy
- San Diego’s economy is diverse offering opportunities in biotech, tourism, and defense.
- San Diego’s strong military presence supports thousands of jobs.
- The city is a hub for tech startups with institutions like UC San Diego leading the way.
Is San Diego Right for You?
When I moved to San Diego, my main concern was setting up the business. Since I didn’t have familial responsibilities at the time, San Diego seemed perfect. It offered me comfortable weather, affordable housing (at the time), and a stable business. What more could I have asked for?!
Local homebuying companies make the job easier for those considering relocating to San Diego. Overall for those who can afford it, San Diego has what makes it an excellent home.
My Experience
I love living in San Diego. And why shouldn’t I?! After a few years of being in San Diego, I purchased a three-bed home for my family and we feel so settled.
Recently, we helped three clients find their homes in San Diego as many people have been moving to town for the laid-back vibe.
Testimonials from Clients
“We were looking to upgrade and SD House Guys helped us through everything. They took charge of our requirements and arranged several options for us.” – Family of 3
“My husband and I needed to sell our old place for a new place. SD House Guys arranged to buy our property and even set us up with contacts for new properties.” – Young couple
“We recommended SD House Guys to a friend who had needed help with an out-of-state home. And I must say that selling their home sounded like a fun experience.” – EXP Advantage Real Estate
San Diego is Better Than Los Angeles
Although my opinion might be biased, out of the two, San Diego is the better choice. San Diego’s slower pace compared to Los Angeles makes it ideal for raising children, while its natural beauty and cultural offerings keep families entertained.
And speaking from experience, I have enjoyed living in San Diego more than any other city. Hey, there is a reason I stayed in San Diego and never left. Maybe you could find your reason!