California's thriving city, San Diego, and Hawaii's hidden gem, Ewa, provide unique experiences for both residents and visitors. From the bustling city life of San Diego to the tranquil beaches of Ewa, each location cossets diverse lifestyles, rich cultures, and varying economies. This comparison considers key factors such as crime and safety, cost of living, education, and economy, among others, to assist anyone intending to relocate or visit either of the two cities for a comprehensive understanding.
San Diego has a higher crime rate when compared to the national average, but most crimes are property-related. However, it's worth noting that certain neighborhoods in the city are more secure than others. Conversely, Ewa is one of the safest communities in Hawaii with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. While tourists may find both cities relatively safe, residents might appreciate the peacefulness Ewa offers.
Cost of Living
Living in San Diego is generally more expensive than the national average, predominantly due to the high housing costs. Ewa, while not cheap, is less costly than most Hawaiian cities. Various expenses including groceries, health care, and utilities are reasonably cheaper in Ewa than in San Diego.
Income Tax
California's state income tax rates vary from 1% to 13.3%, one of the highest in the nation, affecting San Diego residents. Hawaii's state income tax rates range from 1.4% to 11%, hence Ewa residents are subjected to moderately high tax rates.
Property Tax
San Diego's average property tax rate is 0.76%, which is lower than the national average. Hawaii has the lowest property tax rates in the nation, with Ewa's average rate being 0.27%.
Sales Tax
San Diego has a total sales tax rate of 7.75%, which includes the California state rate. Ewa, like all of Hawaii, doesn't have a sales tax but instead imposes a General Excise Tax (GET); the combined rate is 4.5%.
Income
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$108,384
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$37,904
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
145.5
If you make $50,000 in San Diego, you will have to make $57,555 in Ewa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is characterized by picturesque beaches, plentiful parks, and a harmonious blend of urban and natural landscapes. Ewa is gifted with stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and the serene Pacific Ocean backdrop.
Geographical information
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Land area
324.3 sq. miles
164.9 sq. miles
Population density
4,259.7 people per sq. mile
1,696.2 people per sq. mile
Elevation
40 feet
49 feet
Relative area comparison
San Diego, CA Ewa, HI
Education
Both San Diego and Ewa have good public and private schools, with San Diego also boasting several well-regarded universities. Ewa's education system is well-funded and often outperforms other regions in Hawaii, although higher education options are limited.
San Diego's economy is diversified with significant contributions from sectors like defense, tourism, international trade, and research. Ewa's economy is predominantly fueled by tourism and agriculture. While job opportunities are more abundant in San Diego, Ewa provides a slower-paced life that many people find appealing.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Diego are the US Navy, University of California San Diego, and Qualcomm. In Ewa, the largest employers are the Ewa Beach Golf Club, City Mill, and Foodland.
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Ewa (Honolulu County), 68.9% voted for Democrats and 29.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
2020
60.3%
62.7%
37.5%
35.8%
2.1%
1.5%
2016
56.3%
61.5%
36.6%
31.6%
7.1%
6.9%
2012
52.6%
68.9%
45.0%
29.8%
2.4%
1.3%
2008
54.2%
70.1%
44.0%
28.8%
1.8%
1.1%
2004
46.7%
51.1%
52.9%
48.3%
0.4%
0.6%
2000
45.8%
54.6%
49.8%
39.6%
4.5%
5.7%
1996
44.1%
56.3%
45.6%
33.6%
10.3%
10.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
18.2%
6.7%
5.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
1.5%
12.0%
9.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.0%
1.1%
0.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.0%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
2.2%
0.8%
Weather
San Diego's weather is near-idyllic with consistent sunshine throughout the year, making it a favorite place for outdoor activities. On the other hand, Ewa boasts a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round, and rainfall predominantly in the winter months. The appeal of San Diego's weather to tourists and potential residents cannot be overstated, yet Ewa's tropical climate can be equally enthralling.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
74.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
70.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
22.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
71%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
19%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
75%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
56%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Ewa, Hawaii
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
San Diego
Ewa
2018
101
43
0.53
0.32
11.2
3.9
32.6
25.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
14.7
10.5
3.4
0.1
0.5
2017
115
46
0.63
0.26
12.7
4.4
32.7
24.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
15.3
10.8
4.4
0.1
0.6
2016
105
46
0.46
0.32
13.0
3.9
30.4
24.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
19.9
11.4
3.0
0.1
0.5
2015
111
53
0.43
0.41
13.2
3.5
29.9
24.0
0.005
N/A
N/A
21.1
11.9
5.2
0.1
0.9
2014
105
45
0.44
0.37
11.6
3.4
31.1
21.6
0.007
N/A
N/A
19.5
11.1
4.1
0.1
1.1
2013
138
53
0.50
0.43
12.4
3.0
27.4
26.4
0.019
N/A
N/A
19.0
12.3
5.5
0.2
1.4
2012
110
58
0.53
0.37
12.7
2.9
28.0
24.7
0.019
N/A
N/A
18.7
13.6
6.4
0.2
0.8
2011
122
57
0.51
0.34
13.5
2.9
29.0
28.4
0.034
N/A
N/A
18.1
14.0
5.2
1.5
0.9
2010
109
68
0.52
0.26
14.0
3.4
29.3
N/A
0.019
0.002
N/A
N/A
13.9
4.6
1.0
1.2
2009
121
58
0.64
0.32
15.6
4.3
26.9
N/A
0.014
0.003
N/A
N/A
15.1
5.0
2.7
0.9
2008
127
19
0.71
0.35
16.1
4.2
28.4
N/A
N/A
0.002
67.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.1
2007
157
23
0.71
0.33
16.4
4.7
28.0
N/A
0.012
0.001
64.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.5
2006
123
21
0.81
0.14
18.9
4.9
27.1
N/A
0.056
0.003
64.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.7
2005
112
19
0.90
0.37
19.2
5.0
24.4
N/A
0.049
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.1
2004
120
18
0.93
0.44
18.4
4.8
25.9
N/A
0.055
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
0.7
2003
124
21
0.88
0.44
19.4
4.7
25.4
N/A
0.049
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
0.6
2002
125
19
0.86
0.62
20.9
4.9
25.9
N/A
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
0.6
2001
132
21
0.93
0.55
20.4
4.5
26.5
N/A
0.048
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.1
2000
134
21
1.02
0.42
22.3
4.9
23.8
N/A
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
0.7
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
3.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
1,188.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
16%
Transportation
San Diego offers a comprehensive public transportation system including buses, light rail, and ferries. Ewa primarily relies on buses, taxis, and private cars for commuting, but recent developments have improved traffic flow and commuting times.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
0
FAA registered aircraft
852
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Bicycle
0.6%
0.5%
Bus
2%
6.4%
Carpooled
9.4%
21.2%
Car alone
81.7%
65.8%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0.2%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.5%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Walked
3.6%
2.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Average
27.4 min
32.7 min
Real Estate
San Diego's real estate market is hot, with homes typically selling above their listing price. Ewa's real estate market is cheaper than most of Hawaii but still higher than the national average. Both places offer variety in terms of housing options but San Diego's market is more competitive.
Neighborhoods
San Diego neighborhoods range from beachfront communities to urban living, each with its unique vibe. Ewa offers suburbs, golf course communities, and beachfront properties, all with a laid-back Hawaiian appeal.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Ewa
Houses
555,456
84,927
Average household size (people)
2.6
3.3
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
80,101 (94.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
53,297 (66.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
26,804 (33.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,835
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$674,769
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$698,772
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
5.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.5
Renting percentage
51.7%
32.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
515.1
Household income disparities
42.3%
35.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
6,869 (16.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
419 (1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
33,885 (83.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
4,958 (12.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
3,874 (9.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
5,036
State government workers
29,438
13,028
Unpaid family workers
808
250
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in San Diego include military and defense, tourism, and biotech. In Ewa, tourism reigns supreme, with agriculture also playing a key role. Common occupations in Ewa revolve around sales, office and administrative support, and management.
San Diego's healthcare is highly ranked, with numerous top-tier hospitals and a large population of doctors. Ewa, although a small community, has good access to healthcare services with the state-of-the-art Queen's Medical Center close by.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Ewa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego, being a large city, has a more developed infrastructure with plenty of amenities, entertainment venues, and public services. Ewa's infrastructure, while not as comprehensive, meets the needs of its residents and continues to improve due to ongoing development projects.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Ewa
TV stations
13
18
Culture and Food
San Diego's culture resonates with a vibrant arts scene, historic attractions, and diverse cuisine inspired by neighboring Mexico. Ewa offers a laid-back Hawaiian culture defined by Aloha spirit, Polynesian history, and tropical cuisine.
Sports Teams
San Diego is home to professional sports teams like the San Diego Padres (MLB) and the San Diego Gulls (AHL). Ewa doesn't have any professional sports teams, but residents share the spirit of the Hawaiian sports scene, including surfing and paddle-boarding.
San Diego, CA
Ewa, HI
