Advertisement
San Diego vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| San Diego, CA | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 111.9 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $79,060 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $58,690 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $70,661 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $61,188 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $946,365 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $102,285 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 9.3 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 3,282,782 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: San Diego to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from San Diego to Washington, multiply your salary by 0.973.
| Salary in San Diego | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in San Diego | $48,658 in Washington |
| $75,000 in San Diego | $72,987 in Washington |
| $100,000 in San Diego | $97,316 in Washington |
| $150,000 in San Diego | $145,974 in Washington |
| $200,000 in San Diego | $194,632 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in San Diego and Washington
| Job | San Diego | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $144,610 | $163,620 | $129,246 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $100,980 | $113,390 | $90,252 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $163,300 | $153,100 | $145,951 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $41,850 | $39,600 | $37,404 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $111,240 | $145,310 | $99,422 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $40,870 | $35,550 | $36,528 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $41,970 | $39,660 | $37,511 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $39,820 | $36,630 | $35,589 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,830 | $39,110 | $32,917 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $203,680 | $226,780 | $182,041 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $145,060 | $104,590 | $129,649 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $47,700 | $51,820 | $42,632 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $176,710 | $176,670 | $157,936 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $103,810 | $113,640 | $92,781 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $43,110 | $54,430 | $38,530 / $49,989 |
Advertisement
Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
More cost of living comparisons
Go deeper
San Diego vs Washington: questions
Is San Diego more expensive than Washington?
Yes. BEA prices are 111.9 in San Diego, CA and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in San Diego?
About $97,316, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, San Diego or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.