Median rent is 2% lower in San Diego ($2,313/mo vs $2,370/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Diego, where the median home runs $906,700 versus $1,264,900. Households earn more in Newton ($190,304 vs $108,077 a year). Taken together, Newton is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 110.4 against 110.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newton, MA.
City A
Newton, MA
City B
San Diego, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Diego, CA to maintain your standard of living from Newton, MA?
Equivalent salary in San Diego, CA
$75,236
You'd need $236 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Newton
Massachusetts
San Diego
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $2,370/mo in Newton and $2,313/mo in San Diego. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newton: the median home is $1,264,900 versus $906,700 in San Diego — 28% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Newton
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Diego
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for San Diego (avg AQI 59.0) but not yet for Newton.
Pick Newton if you prioritize higher median household income ($190,304/yr).
Is Newton cheaper than San Diego?
Newton is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 110.4 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Newton.
How much is rent in Newton vs San Diego?
Median rent is $2,370/mo in Newton, MA and $2,313/mo in San Diego, CA. San Diego, CA has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Newton or San Diego?
Median household income is $190,304 in Newton, MA and $108,077 in San Diego, CA. Newton, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Newton or San Diego?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match my Newton income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newton, MA is equivalent to roughly $100,315 in San Diego, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
