Is Los Angeles, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

San Diego, CA leaves you more: $1,091/yr. On $120,000, Los Angeles, CA leaves $31,630/yr in pocket (state tax $11,160, housing $47,630) vs San Diego, CA's $32,721 (state tax $11,160, housing $46,539).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (California: 9.30% vs California: 9.30%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA

Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA: cost of living on $120,000

San Diego, CA +$1,091/yr On $120,000, Los Angeles, CA leaves $31,630/yr in pocket vs San Diego, CA's $32,721 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Los Angeles, CA	San Diego, CA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$11,160 (9.30%)	$11,160 (9.30%)
After-tax income	$79,260	$79,260
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$47,630	$46,539
Real money in pocket	$31,630	$32,721

Verified 2026-09-21 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-08.

Talk to a local agent →Moving supplies →

FAQ

Is Los Angeles, CA or San Diego, CA cheaper?: On $120,000, San Diego, CA — by $1,091/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (California 9.30% vs California 9.30%) and housing cost.

🏠 Where can I afford a house?
Your salary → every metro you can buy in.🔥 FIRE by town
Your portfolio → which towns retire you today.🧭 Best town for me
Budget + climate + politics → your ranked towns.💵 Take-home comparison
Salary after tax + housing, city vs city.