San Diego vs Sacramento: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Diego is 15% more expensive than Sacramento. San Diego is 7% safer. San Diego has more comfortable months (12 vs 7). San Diego population: 1,406,106. Sacramento population: 536,449.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: San Diego vs Sacramento
Sacramento is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 150 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | San Diego | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 150 | 130 |
| Housing | $4,272/moIndex: 240 | $3,382/moIndex: 190 |
| Groceries | $439/moIndex: 107 | $435/moIndex: 106 |
| Transportation | $392/moIndex: 112 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| 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 Sacramento
San Diego is 7% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Sacramento's 23. San Diego earns a B- safety grade compared to Sacramento's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Diego
California
Sacramento
California
| Metric | San Diego | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 21.5/1K | 23/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 414.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1800.0 | 1886.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.3 | 8.4 |
| Assault Rate | 243.0 | 276.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 75.3 | 65.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 256.4 | 279.7 |
| Theft Rate | 1479.6 | 1539.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 338.9 | 297.0 |
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 Sacramento.
Climate: San Diego vs Sacramento
San Diego Climate Overview
Sacramento Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Diego | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 70.7°F | 74.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 57.1°F | 50°F |
| Annual Rain | 10.8" | 19.6" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 12 | 7 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Sacramento is 16°F warmer in summer than San Diego, but Sacramento is 9°F colder in winter than San Diego. Sacramento is wetter with 20" of annual rain compared to 11". San Diego has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 7).
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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