2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Diego, CA vs Ruidoso, NM

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ruidoso or is it cheaper to live in San Diego?
- Ruidoso is 42.5% less expensive than San Diego.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ruidoso or San Diego?
- Ruidoso housing costs are 70.8% less expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Diego or is Health Care more affordable in Ruidoso.
- Health related expenses are 3.6% less in Ruidoso.
 San Diego, CARuidoso, NMUnited States
 Overall  Unlock89.0100
 Food & Groceries109.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock85.8100
 Housing278.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$282,600$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock68.2100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

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Reviews for Ruidoso    12 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Best place in NM to live , unless you like crowds, traffic, crime, and concrete. Plenty of jobs and min wage is now close to $12/hr. Housing is a little pricey but  More

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Over 3 years ago

I love Ruidoso, or "noisy river". I have always visited but now i live here. Was my first choice if I ever moved. I am so glad I left El Paso, was getting way to big  More

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I’ve lived in this town for nine years and loved it. The weather is by far the best thing about this town. Just don’t be a “rude Texan,“ and you will be fine. Try not to  More

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