2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Diego, CA vs Tempe, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Tempe or is it cheaper to live in San Diego?
- Tempe is 27.0% less expensive than San Diego.

Which city has more affordable housing, Tempe or San Diego?
- Tempe housing costs are 50.4% less expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Diego or is Health Care more affordable in Tempe.
- Health related expenses are 3.9% more in Tempe.
 San Diego, CATempe, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries109.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.5100
 Housing278.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$426,900$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock108.1100
 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 Tempe    22 Reviews

Tempe is a very unique case of a College Town that has quickly become a Small College City or a Small City. It used to be where there was small pockets of walkability  More

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Tempe is a small city that definitely has nice areas, nice weather, the people are always good, and it is home of ASU. The Tempe town council has done a good job towards  More

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Over 11 years ago

Lived in Arizona 55 yrs Phoenix /Tempe lost my job and got a offer to keep my job but had to move Fall River MA. I will take the heat over days of cold anytime . January  More

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