Comparing Seattle vs. San Diego offers a fascinating insight into two vibrant West Coast cities, each with its unique characteristics and appeal.
From cost of living and safety to education and climate, this report provides a comprehensive overview of key factors to consider when choosing between these cities.
Quick Snapshot of Seattle vs. San Diego:
| Category | Seattle | San Diego | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | |||
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $1,995/month | $2,454/month | Seattle offers more affordable rent. |
| Income Tax | No state income tax | 10% – 37% | Seattle’s lack of state income tax is a significant advantage. |
| Crime & Safety | |||
| Overall Crime Rate | 63 per 1,000 people | 23.28 per 1,000 people | San Diego has a significantly lower crime rate. |
| Career & Employment | |||
| Average Annual Salary | $75,569/year | $69,247/year | Seattle offers higher salaries. |
| Education | |||
| University Rankings | #29 in US | #43 in US | Both cities have highly-ranked universities. |
| Weather and Climate | |||
| Average Temperature | 45°F – 75°F (Fall-Summer) | 58°F – 75°F (Fall-Summer) | San Diego has a mild Mediterranean climate. |
1. Cost of Living
Understanding the cost of living is essential for anyone considering relocation, as it directly impacts budget and lifestyle choices.
Here’s a detailed comparison between Seattle and San Diego:
Avg. Cost of 1 Bed Room Rent
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $1,995/month | $2,454/month |
Seattle’s average 1-bedroom rent of $1,995/month is noticeably lower than San Diego’s $2,454/month.
For singles or couples looking for more affordable housing, this difference might make Seattle a more appealing option, especially for those starting their careers or living on a fixed income.
Avg. Cost 2 Bed Room Rent
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $2,768/month | $3,300/month |
Families or those needing more space will find Seattle’s 2-bedroom rent of $2,768/month more budget-friendly compared to San Diego’s $3,300/month.
This difference can translate into substantial annual savings, allowing for more discretionary spending or saving for future financial goals.
Avg. Cost of A House
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $823,900 | $939,059 |
Homebuyers will find Seattle’s average house cost of $823,900 to be lower than San Diego’s $939,059.
This may influence decisions related to home buying and investment, especially for first-time buyers or those looking for investment properties.
The difference in housing costs may also reflect variations in neighborhood desirability, property sizes, and housing availability.
Income Tax
Specific income tax rates and brackets in California can vary depending on income level and filing status
| Seattle | San Diego |
| No state income tax | 10% – 37% |
Seattle’s lack of state income tax contrasts sharply with San Diego’s income tax, ranging from 10% to 37% depending on income level and filing status.
This difference can lead to significant annual savings for Seattle residents, particularly for higher earners or retirees looking to maximize their income.
Property Tax
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 1.025% | 1.21% |
Property taxes are slightly higher in San Diego at 1.21% compared to Seattle’s 1.025%.
While the difference might seem small, it could affect annual housing costs, especially for those owning more valuable properties.
Potential homeowners should consider this when budgeting for ongoing expenses.
Sales Tax
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 10.25% | 7.75% |
Seattle’s sales tax of 10.25% is higher than San Diego’s 7.75%. This difference may impact shopping habits and overall spending, especially for those who frequently make large purchases.
It might also influence decisions related to purchasing vehicles, electronics, or other big-ticket items.
Minimum Grocery Bill per Month
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $399.69/month recommended minimum | $291/month recommended minimum |
The recommended minimum grocery bill in Seattle is $399.69/month, higher than San Diego’s $291/month. This difference may reflect variations in food availability, preferences, or shopping habits.
Those with specific dietary needs or preferences for organic or specialty products might find this difference more pronounced.
Average Healthcare Costs
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $5640/year for a single adult | $3804/year for a single adult |
Healthcare costs for a single adult are $5,640/year in Seattle and $3,804/year in San Diego.
This difference may be a significant consideration for those prioritizing healthcare expenses, such as individuals with chronic health conditions or families planning for healthcare needs.
It might also reflect variations in healthcare quality, insurance options, and access to medical facilities.
2. Crime & Safety
Safety is a paramount concern for residents, and understanding crime rates and response times can influence perceptions of security, community well-being, and overall quality of life.
Overall Crime Rate
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 63 per 1,000 people | 23.28 per 1,000 people |
Seattle’s overall crime rate of 63 per 1,000 people is significantly higher than San Diego’s 23.28 per 1,000 people, and both are above the national average of approximately 22 per 1,000 people (as of 2021).
This stark difference may influence neighborhood choices, safety precautions, and community involvement in both cities.
Violent Crime Rate
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 32.3 per 1,000 people | 3.96 per 1,000 people |
Seattle’s violent crime rate of 32.3 per 1,000 people is much higher than San Diego’s 3.96 per 1,000 people, and both are above the national average of around 3.7 per 1,000 people.
This difference may be a critical consideration for families or individuals prioritizing personal safety, and it may influence decisions related to housing, schooling, and recreational activities.
Property Crime Rate
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 76.9 per 1,000 people | 19.32 per 1,000 people |
Property crime rates also differ substantially, with Seattle at 76.9 per 1,000 people and San Diego at 19.32 per 1,000 people. The national average is around 21 per 1,000 people.
This difference may affect decisions related to housing security, insurance, and property investments.
Police Response Time
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 9.5 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
Seattle’s police response time of 9.5 minutes is much faster than San Diego’s 40 minutes. The national average response time varies widely but is generally around 10 minutes.
This difference may reflect variations in police efficiency, readiness, and staffing levels.
It may also impact residents’ confidence in local law enforcement and their willingness to engage with police.
Ambulance Response Time
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 11 Minutes | N/A |
Ambulance response time is provided for Seattle at 11 minutes, but not for San Diego. The national average for ambulance response time is around 8 minutes, though it can vary widely by location.
This information may be essential for individuals with chronic health conditions or those considering proximity to medical facilities.
3. Career & Employment
Career opportunities and employment conditions are vital factors for working professionals, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.
Understanding the employment landscape can guide career decisions, relocation plans, and professional development.
Average Annual Salary
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $75,569/year | $69,247/year |
Seattle’s average annual salary of $75,569 is higher than San Diego’s $69,247, and both are above the national average of approximately $56,310 (as of 2021).
This difference may attract professionals in certain industries, such as technology and healthcare, to Seattle.
It may also influence decisions related to career advancement, work-life balance, and overall financial planning.
Minimum Wage
| Seattle | San Diego |
| $18.69/hr | $16.30/hr |
Seattle’s minimum wage of $18.69/hr is higher than San Diego’s $16.30/hr, and both are well above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
This difference may benefit entry-level or lower-wage workers in Seattle, providing them with greater financial stability and access to essential services.
It may also influence business decisions related to staffing, operations, and pricing strategies.
Unemployment Rate
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 3.4% | 3.7% |
Seattle’s unemployment rate of 3.4% is slightly lower than San Diego’s 3.7%, and both are below the national average of around 4.2% (as of 2021).
This difference may reflect variations in local economies, industries, job availability, and workforce development initiatives.
It may also impact individual decisions related to job searching, career transitions, and educational pursuits.
4. Education
Education is a key consideration for families, students, and lifelong learners.
Differences in university rankings and graduation rates can influence decisions related to schooling, relocation, and community engagement.
University Rankings
| University of Washington | University of California, San Diego |
| #29 in US | #43 in US |
The University of Washington holds a prestigious position that may appeal to aspiring college students seeking high-quality educational opportunities.
Graduation Rates
| Seattle | San Diego |
| 86% | 88% |
San Diego has a slightly higher graduation rate than Seattle’s rate for public schools. This may indicate a different focus or success in public education in San Diego.
A high graduation rate is often associated with healthier communities. Education is linked to various positive outcomes, including better health, lower crime rates, and increased civic engagement.
5. Weather and Climate
Weather and climate are essential considerations for anyone planning to move, as they can significantly impact daily life, outdoor activities, and even health.
Average Temperature
| Season | Seattle | San Diego |
| Fall | 45°F – 58°F | 58°F – 75°F |
| Winter | 40°F – 50°F | 51.8°F – 64.4°F |
| Spring | 53°F – 69°F | 53°F – 69°F |
| Summer | 69°F – 75°F | 63°F – 77°F |
Seattle: Known for its temperate climate, Seattle offers milder winters and cooler summers. This climate might be appealing to those who prefer a more moderate temperature range without extreme heat or cold.
San Diego: In contrast, San Diego experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny, and dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, with temperatures between 51.8°F and 64.4°F.
San Diego’s weather pattern may attract those who enjoy more sunshine and warmth, especially during the summer months.
Weather Characteristics
| Seattle | San Diego |
| mild temperatures, considerable cloudiness, and a pronounced rainy season | mild Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny, and dry summers, and cooler, wetter winters |
If you love the sun, San Diego boasts an average of 266 sunny days per year, making it a great destination for sun-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Like Vancouver, Seattle sees many rainy and gloomy days throughout the year.
Impact on Lifestyle:
Outdoor Activities: Seattle’s climate may be more conducive to activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscapes.
San Diego’s sunny weather might be more appealing for beachgoers, surfers, and those who enjoy outdoor dining and festivals.
Health Considerations: The weather can also impact health. Seattle’s lack of sunlight in the winter might affect those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), while San Diego’s consistent sunshine might be beneficial for overall mood and well-being.
Gardening and Agriculture: The distinct climates also influence gardening and local agriculture. Seattle’s rainy environment may be suitable for growing certain types of plants and vegetables, while San Diego’s Mediterranean climate might be ideal for different crops, including citrus fruits.
Comparison with Other Cities: Compared to other cities like New York or Portland, Seattle’s weather is less extreme, with milder winters. San Diego’s climate is unique among major U.S. cities, with one of the most consistent and pleasant weather patterns.
Seattle and San Diego present distinct options for potential residents, with Seattle offering more affordable housing and no state income tax, while San Diego boasts lower crime rates and a mild Mediterranean climate.
Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with individual preferences and needs.
Sources:
Cost of Living: [1], [2]. [3]. [4]. [5]. [6], [7], [8], [9]
Crime: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Career & Employment: [1], [2], [3], [4]
Education: [1]. [2], [3], [4]