Los Angeles vs San Diego: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Los Angeles is 10% more expensive than San Diego. San Diego is 33% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 12). Los Angeles population: 3,869,089. San Diego population: 1,406,106.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs San Diego
San Diego is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 150 vs 165 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 15 index points.
| Category | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 165 | 150 |
| Housing | $4,806/moIndex: 270 | $4,272/moIndex: 240 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $439/moIndex: 107 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $392/moIndex: 112 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Los Angeles vs San Diego
San Diego is 33% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Los Angeles's 32. San Diego earns a B- safety grade compared to Los Angeles's C-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Los Angeles
California
San Diego
California
| Metric | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 32/1K | 21.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 700.0 | 350.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2500.0 | 1800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 10.2 | 6.3 |
| Assault Rate | 490.2 | 243.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.9 | 75.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 327.5 | 256.4 |
| Theft Rate | 1736.2 | 1479.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.1 | 338.9 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Los Angeles, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 47 in San Diego.
Climate: Los Angeles vs San Diego
Los Angeles Climate Overview
San Diego Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 75°F | 70.7°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 56.7°F | 57.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 14.7" | 10.8" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 12 | 12 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Los Angeles is 7°F warmer in summer than San Diego, but winter temperatures are comparable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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