Trying to decide between moving to Los Angeles or San Diego? These two Southern California cities are known for their sunny weather, beach vibes, and endless entertainment options. We looked into reasons to move to Los Angeles and reasons to move to San Diego—comparing key factors like cost of living, lifestyle amenities, things to do, and more. Check out our guide to living in Los Angeles vs. San Diego below!
Should You Move to Los Angeles or San Diego?
Whether you should move to San Diego or Los Angeles is up to your unique lifestyle and what you need from your city—whether that’s a certain industry, a lower cost of living, or specific attractions. Both Los Angeles and San Diego are warm, sunny metro areas with great job opportunities and fun activities. However, living in Los Angeles might be better suited to the fast-paced life of singles and young professionals—especially those interested in the entertainment industry—while living in San Diego gives you more access to family attractions and a slower pace of life.
Consider Cost of Living in Los Angeles & San Diego
Both of these SoCal cities have high costs of living compared to the U.S. average, but you’ll find some key differences between living expenses in Los Angeles vs. living expenses in San Diego.
LA Delivers Big-City Perks With Surprising Rental Savings
Los Angeles is known for being an expensive city, with a cost of living that’s 32% higher than the California average and 4% higher than San Diego. However, when considering living in Los Angeles vs. San Diego, keep in mind that Los Angeles actually has a lower median rent—which is a major perk for the 63% of residents who rent their homes! If you’re exploring the best places to rent a home in LA, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods that balance cost, convenience, and lifestyle. For many, the city’s higher overall prices are worth it to live in the heart of the entertainment industry—surrounded by incredible amenities, career opportunities, and a wide range of activities.
San Diego Offers Flexible Housing Choices
San Diego also has a high cost of living—about 28% above the California average—but it’s still more affordable overall than Los Angeles, particularly when it comes to housing. With housing costs around 7% lower than in LA, plus a more even split between renters and homeowners, San Diego is a great place to live whether you’re buying or renting. You’ll also find plenty of affordable neighborhoods in San Diego, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy a coastal lifestyle.
Q: What is the cost of living in San Diego vs. Los Angeles?
A: The cost of living in San Diego vs. LA is similar, but San Diego has a slightly lower cost of living overall. However, Los Angeles has lower costs in categories like groceries and transportation.
Find a Career in Los Angeles & San Diego
An important factor to consider when choosing between San Diego vs. Los Angeles is their unique job markets. Both cities offer strong employment opportunities, but each caters to different career paths.
Pursue a Career in LA’s Creative & Tech Industries
As the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is a thriving Mecca for careers in arts and entertainment, as well as music—home to iconic institutions like Capitol Records. However, these aren’t the only job options when living in Los Angeles. Technology, fashion, and aerospace and defense are also thriving industries in Los Angeles, offering plenty of career opportunities—or you can launch your own business in one of the best cities for entrepreneurs!
Grow Professionally in San Diego’s Diverse Economy
Living in San Diego gives you access to job opportunities in a variety of industries! With an unemployment rate of 3.8%—lower than both the California and national averages—the job market is healthy and diverse. Major industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and construction offer plenty of options, and the presence of Naval Base San Diego makes this city an especially strong choice for military families. You’ll also find opportunities with Fortune 500 companies like Sempra Energy and Qualcomm!
Q: Are there more jobs in Los Angeles vs. San Diego?
A: There aren’t necessarily more job opportunities in Los Angeles compared to San Diego, but the two cities do have different job markets and industries. Los Angeles has more to offer for arts and entertainment careers or entrepreneurship opportunities, while San Diego has more jobs in healthcare and with Fortune 500 companies.
Access Great Transportation Options in Los Angeles & San Diego
As two large, busy metros, both San Diego and Los Angeles have built out robust transportation systems to get residents where they need to go. Here’s how transportation options in each city compare.
Beat the Traffic with Public Transit in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large city with a lot of people, resulting in notorious traffic jams on main freeways like the 405 and the 10—but LA residents overcome this in a number of ways. There are plenty of highly walkable Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Downtown LA, Central Hollywood, and MacArthur Park, making it easy for residents of these areas to get around on foot. The city also offers great public transportation options, with bus routes and rail lines throughout the LA metro. There are also a variety of ridesharing apps available to residents of Los Angeles that can help you get around!
Get Around Quickly & Easily in San Diego
When it comes to driving in San Diego vs. Los Angeles, San Diego comes out on top with a commuting time that’s lower than the national average. I-805, I-15, I-8, and I-5—also known as the San Diego Freeway—are four of the major freeways that commuters use the most. However, that doesn’t mean public transportation in San Diego isn’t also an option! San Diego MTS offers bus and trolley routes across the city that residents can use to get around.
Q: Do Los Angeles and San Diego have good public transportation?
A: Yes, San Diego and Los Angeles have great public transportation options, though many residents in these cities commute by car. Los Angeles offers multiple transit options via the LA Metro system, while San Diego has San Diego MTS buses and trolleys to help you get around!
Pursue Higher Education in Los Angeles & San Diego
Both Los Angeles and San Diego have fantastic colleges and universities available for students and young professionals looking for opportunities to further their education!
Find Top Universities & Degree Programs in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to some of the most well-known universities in the country, including UCLA, University of Southern California, Caltech, Loyola Marymount University, and Cal State LA. Between all of these options, students can find a wide variety of degree programs—from science and business to film and communications. UCLA and USC are also major hot spots for college sports culture! Both schools are part of the Big Ten Conference, and their top-ranked teams—like UCLA Bruins basketball and USC Trojans football—consistently draw large crowds. And students looking for specialty schools can also find what they need in Los Angeles, with organizations like the American Film Institute calling LA home!
Explore San Diego’s Diverse Education Options
San Diego is home to an extensive list of universities and community colleges, making it a great place for anyone looking to pursue higher education! Large universities like San Diego State University and the University of San Diego offer a wide range of degree programs, while students and young professionals looking to practice law can choose from the California Western School of Law and Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Plus, community college options like San Diego Community College District, San Diego City College, and San Diego Mesa College are great for students looking to earn a degree on a budget!
Q: Are there better schools in San Diego vs. LA?
A: Los Angeles and San Diego both have great schools for students looking for higher education opportunities. Both cities are home to a number of great universities and colleges, with Los Angeles boasting a presence of large NCAA universities like UCLA and USC, while San Diego offers a variety of large universities and smaller community colleges.
Enjoy Warm Weather & Sun in Los Angeles & San Diego
Southern California is known for its sunny days and beaches, and living in Los Angeles or San Diego gives you plenty of access to sun, surf, outdoor recreation, and more!
Soak Up the Sun in Los Angeles
With around 284 sunny days a year and very little rain, Los Angeles offers near-perfect weather for outdoor fun. Since it’s a coastal city that’s also near the mountains, you’ll find both fantastic beaches and great hiking spots! Go surfing, fishing, swimming, or boating at popular beaches like Malibu Surfrider Beach and Venice Beach—or hit the Venice Beach Skate Park. Lace up your hiking boots and take on trails like Crystal Springs or Fryman Canyon Loop. Bike 22 miles along the coast on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Or hike up to the iconic Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign!
Take Advantage of the Surf in San Diego
Some of the biggest reasons to move to San Diego are the beautiful beaches and the slightly more temperate climate—with average highs in the mid-70s rather than LA’s often 80-plus-degree heat. Head to the La Jolla neighborhood to catch a wave at beaches like Black’s Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Windansea Beach. Take your pup to play on the first off-leash beach in the U.S., aptly named Dog Beach! Spend the day strolling the boardwalk or enjoying family-friendly attractions at Coronado Beach and Mission Beach. For a change of pace, go rock climbing in San Diego at Mount Woodson or Mission Gorge. Go on mountain hikes with trails like Observatory Trail and Lake Cuyamaca, or enjoy beach hikes on The Bayside Trail and Sunset Cliffs.
Q: Is San Diego hotter than Los Angeles?
A: No, Los Angeles tends to be hotter than San Diego on average, with summer highs in the 80s. San Diego typically experiences highs in the mid-70s during the summer.
Dive Into Cultural Attractions in Los Angeles & San Diego
San Diego and Los Angeles are both home to a variety of cultural events and attractions for residents to enjoy. While Los Angeles is an entertainment giant, San Diego thrives on fun annual festivals.
Experience the Creative Pulse of Los Angeles
“Tinseltown” lives up to the name with a variety of arts and entertainment attractions. See the LA Philharmonic perform contemporary, classical, jazz, and other musical styles in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Get tickets to comedy specials and concerts with big-name celebrities or attend music festivals at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Enjoy a night at the ballet, a play, or a performance from the LA Opera at The Music Center. Attend film festivals for genres like comedy, indie, horror, action, and more with LA Film Festivals. Or marvel at artwork spanning centuries at renowned LA museums like LACMA and the Getty Museum.
Immerse Yourself in San Diego’s Museums & Festivals
San Diego is a hub for fun cultural events and attractions! Come in costume or casual clothes to attend guest panels and browse artist booths at the iconic annual San Diego Comic-Con. See films from up-and-coming directors and actors from around the world at the San Diego International Film Festival. Walk through exhibits on nature and science—like Living Lab and Fossil Mysteries—at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Marvel at pieces in the Sculpture Garden, or see modern abstract art indoors at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit unique seafaring and military history museums in San Diego, like the Maritime Museum and the USS Midway Museum. Or sample 100+ restaurants with multi-course menus during San Diego Restaurant Week.
Q: How does San Diego’s festival scene compare to LA’s?
A: San Diego has plenty of great festivals throughout the year to enjoy! KAABOO, CRSSD, San Diego Restaurant Week, San Diego International Film Festival, and Old Town Dia De Los Muertos are just a few of the many events San Diego offers. Los Angeles is also home to a variety of festivals, including LA Film Festivals, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the LA Korean Festival.
Find Family-Friendly Living in Los Angeles & San Diego
There are plenty of things to do with kids in both of these California cities, but you’ll find different opportunities and attractions when living in San Diego vs. Los Angeles.
Experience Family Life in Los Angeles
Moving to Los Angeles with kids? The city has a number of family-friendly neighborhoods, and parents will appreciate having their pick of nearby schools in the second-largest school district in the nation, the Los Angeles Unified School District. Plus, Los Angeles has plenty of attractions suited to families with kids of any age! Let the little ones explore with hands-on nature and science exhibits at Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena. Take a walk on the wild side by marveling at exotic animals at the Los Angeles Zoo. Go on rides and eat at delicious restaurants while enjoying the sound of the ocean waves at the Santa Monica Pier. Marvel at the stars at Griffith Observatory. Learn about natural history and prehistoric life at the National History Museum or the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Raise Your Family in San Diego
America’s Finest City has plenty to offer for families with children—from family-friendly San Diego neighborhoods to great school districts like the San Diego Unified School District! In addition to these draws, there are several incredible family attractions throughout the metro area. Visit the San Diego Zoo—one of the best zoos in the country—in beautiful Balboa Park. Take a day trip to ride roller coasters or attend an annual festival at LEGOLAND California Resort, just 35 miles from Downtown San Diego in Carlsbad. Bring the little ones to interactive art exhibits and workshops at The New Children’s Museum. Or give your kids a day of fun visiting specialty attractions like Sesame Place and Living Coast Discovery Center in nearby Chula Vista.
Q: Are Los Angeles and San Diego good for families?
A: Yes, both Los Angeles and San Diego are great for families. They offer strong schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. LA features museums and landmarks like the Griffith Observatory, while San Diego is home to top attractions like the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Explore Nightlife in San Diego & Los Angeles
Looking for exciting spots in Los Angeles or San Diego? Both cities offer unique nightlife experiences for singles and young professionals, whether you prefer trendy rooftop bars, live music, high-energy clubs, or laid-back beachside hangouts.
Discover Your Nightlife Vibe in Los Angeles
The home of Hollywood has a great nightlife scene with fun shows at local clubs and bars for LA singles and young professionals looking for a night out! Check out live performances or plan a birthday party at The Mayan. Get tickets to drag shows and Showgirls Mondays at Micky’s West Hollywood. Hit multiple clubs in one night for holidays or bachelorette parties while making new friends on the Hollywood Club Crawl. For a more relaxing night out, try an Angel City IPA or Angel City Pilsner in the LA Arts District at Angel City Brewery. Order a burger and snacks with a beer at Highland Park Brewery. Or enjoy in-house brews with friends at All Season Brewing, located in a renovated Mid-Century Modern Firestone tire shop.
Tap Into San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene
San Diego is known as the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” with over 150 craft breweries and a signature style unique to the city—the West Coast IPA. The list of breweries in the County of San Diego is extensive, so singles and young professionals in San Diego can always find a local spot nearby! Sample brews like the Party Tricks IPA or Speedway Stout at AleSmith Brewing Company. Order burgers, wings, and tacos with your beers at Bolt Brewery. Try the Mission Blonde, Pipe Dreams, or Waves of Haze from the Downtown San Diego brewery Mission Brewing. If you’re looking for something different, check out the historic Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego—a hot spot of nighttime activity where you can relax in style at charming rooftop bars like Rustic Root, or dance the night away at exciting nightclubs like Nova SD.
Q: Is Los Angeles or San Diego better for singles and young professionals?
A: Both San Diego and Los Angeles are great cities for singles and young professionals! Each city offers fun activities, vibrant nightlife, and trendy neighborhoods. If you prefer a fast-paced nightclub scene with late nights and dancing, Los Angeles is your spot. For a more laid-back vibe with casual brewery nights, San Diego is the perfect choice.
***
Deciding whether you should move to San Diego or Los Angeles? Whichever city you choose, Extra Space Storage can help, with convenient facilities located throughout both Los Angeles and San Diego. Find a SoCal storage facility near you!
