El Cajon, CA vs. San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to El Cajon or San Diego in 2025? Let’s dive into a rapid-fire cost of living comparison:
- 🏠 Median rent for a 2BR apartment: $1,800 in El Cajon vs. $2,400 in San Diego
- ⚡ Average monthly utility bill: $180 in El Cajon vs. $220 in San Diego
- 🛒 Typical grocery costs for a family of 4: $800/month in El Cajon vs. $1,000 in San Diego
- 🏘️ Median home price: $650,000 in El Cajon vs. $850,000 in San Diego
As you can see, El Cajon tends to be more affordable across major expense categories. But let’s break it down further to help you decide which city truly fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
Housing Costs: El Cajon vs San Diego
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living comparisons. Here’s how typical housing expenses stack up in El Cajon and San Diego:
| Housing Type | El Cajon | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $2,600 | $3,400 |
🏆 Winner: El Cajon. A household moving from San Diego to El Cajon might save $400-800 per month on housing alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with El Cajon having a slight edge:
- El Cajon: $180/month average
- San Diego: $220/month average
Both cities have relatively mild climates, so heating and cooling needs are moderate year-round. San Diego Gas & Electric serves both areas with comparable rates and off-peak savings plans.
🏆 Winner: El Cajon, but only by about $40/month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs tend to be about 20% lower in El Cajon compared to San Diego. A typical family of four might spend around $800/month on groceries in El Cajon, while the same items would cost closer to $1,000 in San Diego.
Eating out is also more affordable in El Cajon, with fast-casual meals averaging $12 vs. $15 in San Diego. Fine dining is pricier in both cities, but high-end restaurants in El Cajon are still about 10-15% cheaper than comparable spots in San Diego.
🏆 Winner: El Cajon, especially for larger households and frequent diners.
Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax rate is 7.25%, which applies to both cities. However, El Cajon has a slightly lower sales tax at 8.25% total compared to San Diego’s 8.75%.
Property taxes are also marginally lower in El Cajon, averaging 1.1% vs 1.2% in San Diego. For a $650K home, that’s a difference of about $650/year.
🏆 Winner: El Cajon, though the gap is fairly small for most households.
Cost of Living in El Cajon vs San Diego: Summary
| Category | El Cajon | San Diego | Cheaper City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,800 | $2,400 | El Cajon |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | El Cajon |
| Groceries (Family of 4) | $800 | $1,000 | El Cajon |
| Transportation | $80 | $100 | El Cajon |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $500 | El Cajon |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,260 | $4,220 | – |
As the table shows, living in El Cajon is significantly cheaper than San Diego across all major expense categories. The typical household can expect to save nearly $1,000 per month on living costs in El Cajon compared to San Diego.
Of course, raw costs are just one part of the equation. It’s also important to consider lifestyle fit and what you value most in a hometown.
Lifestyle & Location Considerations
El Cajon offers a quieter suburban feel, with more spacious homes and a small-town vibe. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, with local parks, hiking trails, and a quaint downtown area. However, job options may be more limited compared to San Diego.
San Diego, on the other hand, is a bustling coastal city known for its perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, and endless entertainment options. It also boasts a thriving job market and world-class universities. But with that comes more crowds, traffic, and higher living costs.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Budget-conscious households and those seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle may prefer El Cajon, while those who crave big-city amenities and beach access might find San Diego worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is El Cajon more affordable than San Diego?
A: Yes, El Cajon is generally more affordable than San Diego. Housing, utilities, groceries, and other living costs tend to be 10-25% lower in El Cajon.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: El Cajon has significantly lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment rents for around $1,800/month in El Cajon compared to $2,400/month in San Diego.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy a home in El Cajon or San Diego?
A: Buying a home is much cheaper in El Cajon. The median home price is about $650,000 in El Cajon vs $850,000 in San Diego as of 2025.
The Bottom Line
While both El Cajon and San Diego have their charms, El Cajon comes out ahead in terms of sheer affordability. Families, retirees, and budget-minded professionals can enjoy a high quality of life in El Cajon without the high costs of San Diego.
However, those who crave the excitement and economic opportunities of a major coastal city may find San Diego worth the premium. It all depends on your lifestyle goals and financial means.
For a more detailed look at typical monthly expenses in El Cajon, check out our sample monthly budgets for 2025. You can also read our full cost of living guide for El Cajon to help plan your relocation.
Considering other cities in California? Browse our cost of living comparisons for popular destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and more.