Living in Escondido or San Diego? Cost Breakdown

Escondido, CA vs. San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Which city gives you more for your money – Escondido or San Diego? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in these two Southern California cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax) for clarity.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Escondido and San Diego stack up:

🏆 Winner: Escondido. Housing costs are significantly lower in Escondido compared to San Diego proper. A household moving from San Diego to Escondido might save $400/month on rent alone.

Wondering can you afford to live in Escondido? Check out our monthly budget guide.

2. Utilities and Energy Costs

Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Escondido having a slight edge:

• In Escondido, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment.
• In San Diego, similar utilities average closer to $200/month.

Both cities have relatively mild climates, so heating and cooling costs don’t vary too much seasonally. San Diego offers slightly more public utility programs and incentives.

🏆 Winner: Escondido, but only by a small margin. Utilities won’t make or break your budget in either location.

3. Groceries and Daily Expenses

Grocery costs are very comparable in Escondido and San Diego. Expect to spend around $400/month on groceries for a single person, or $1,000/month for a family of four in either city.

Eating out is marginally cheaper in Escondido – a meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $60 for two in Escondido vs. $75 in San Diego. But unless you eat out very frequently, this won’t hugely impact your overall cost of living.

🏆 Winner: Tie. Groceries and daily living expenses are nearly identical in both cities.

4. Taxes and Fees

California has relatively high income taxes statewide. But when it comes to local taxes and fees, Escondido has the advantage:

• Escondido’s sales tax rate is 7.75% vs. 7.75% to 8.75% in San Diego (varies by neighborhood)
• Property taxes are 1.1% in Escondido compared to 1.2% in San Diego
• Vehicle registration fees are identical

🏆 Winner: Escondido. While the difference in local tax rates is small, it can add up over time, especially on big-ticket items like home purchases.

5. Cost Summary

6. Lifestyle Fit

Numbers aside, which city fits your lifestyle best? A few key differences:

• Escondido offers more space for your money, with larger apartments and homes on average compared to the denser neighborhoods of San Diego.
• San Diego has more walkable urban areas and better public transit, while Escondido is more car-dependent.
• Escondido is further inland, so summer temperatures average about 5°F warmer than San Diego.

7. FAQ

Q: Is Escondido more affordable than San Diego?
A: Yes, Escondido is cheaper than San Diego in most categories, especially housing. See our full Escondido cost of living guide.

Q: Which city has lower rent?

A: Escondido rents are significantly lower. A typical 2BR is around $850 cheaper per month compared to central San Diego.

Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Escondido home prices are about $200K less than comparable homes in San Diego.

8. Conclusion

Overall, Escondido offers a lower cost of living, primarily thanks to cheaper housing costs. It’s a great fit for families looking for more space on a budget. However, San Diego remains appealing for its walkable neighborhoods, urban amenities, and slightly cooler climate – for those willing to pay a premium.

Considering other Southern California cities? Check out our cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles, Riverside, Chula Vista, and more.