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San Diego vs Fresno: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

San Diego is 43% more expensive than Fresno. San Diego is 8% safer. San Diego population: 1,406,106. Fresno population: 555,549.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingFresno
SafetySan Diego
HousingFresno

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: San Diego vs Fresno

Fresno is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 150 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 45 index points.

CategorySan DiegoFresno
Overall Index150105
Housing$4,272/moIndex: 240$2,314/moIndex: 130
Groceries$439/moIndex: 107$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$392/moIndex: 112$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$326/moIndex: 102
Utilities$216/moIndex: 98$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: San Diego vs Fresno

San Diego is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Fresno's 23.4. San Diego earns a B- safety grade compared to Fresno's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

San Diego

California

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeB-
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate21.5/1K
TrendStable
C+

Fresno

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.4/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricSan DiegoFresno
Overall Crime Rate21.5/1K23.4/1K
Violent Crime Rate350.0430.6
Property Crime Rate1800.01912.4
Murder Rate6.35.8
Assault Rate243.0333.7
Robbery Rate75.385.7
Burglary Rate256.4217.5
Theft Rate1479.61400.3
Vehicle Theft Rate338.9324.2

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In San Diego, you have a 1 in 47 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Fresno.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for San Diego. A full comparison requires both cities.

San Diego Climate Overview

Annual High70.7°F
Annual Low57.1°F
Annual Rain10.8"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months12
Best MonthJuly
Worst MonthFebruary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Diego cheaper than Fresno?
Fresno is 43% more affordable than San Diego, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 150 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,272/mo in San Diego vs $2,314/mo in Fresno.
Is San Diego safer than Fresno?
San Diego is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Fresno's 23.4. San Diego earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to San Diego or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego is safer (B- grade). Fresno is more affordable (index 105 vs 150). San Diego has a population of 1,406,106 and Fresno has 555,549. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is San Diego compared to Fresno?
San Diego has a population of 1,406,106 and Fresno has 555,549. San Diego is 153% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in San Diego or Fresno?
Housing is cheaper in Fresno. Estimated monthly housing costs: San Diego $4,272/mo vs Fresno $2,314/mo. That's based on a housing index of 240 vs 130 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
San Diego Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fresno Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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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