Brooklyn, NY vs San Diego, CA - Advanced U.S. city comparison tool

Brooklyn, NY vs San Diego, CA

Brooklyn, New York, and San Diego, California, lie on opposite coasts of the United States and provide different types of living experiences. Each offers unique characteristics in terms of crime and safety, weather conditions, economic conditions, educational opportunities, local infrastructure, employment sectors, real estate scenarios, transportation, tax rates, food and culture, sports teams, geographical conditions, and healthcare facilities. Depending on personal preferences and priorities, individuals looking to relocate or tourists intent on visiting may find significant differences in life quality and daily experiences in these two locations.
 
 
Distance between Brooklyn, NY and San Diego, CA : 2,427.9 miles

Brooklyn's population is larger by 84%. The population of San Diego has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) during that time.

Population
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Population 2,538,705 1,381,611
Female / male percentage 53.1% / 46.9%
53.1%
46.9%
48.8% / 51.2%
48.8%
51.2%
Racial makeup - percentage
Ethnicity BrooklynSan Diego
White Non-Hispanic 34.7% 41.9%
Black 34.4% 5.5%
Hispanic 19.8% 29.0%
Asian 7.5% 16.9%
Two or more 2.8% 5.3%
American Indian 0.2% 0.2%
Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.5%
Racial makeup - absolute values
Ethnicity BrooklynSan Diego
White Non-Hispanic 854,532 579,373
Black 848,583 75,323
Hispanic 487,878 400,337
Asian 184,291 233,618
Two or more 68,688 73,108
American Indian 4,494 2,753
Pacific Islander 803 6,302

Crime and Safety

Safety varies across different neighborhoods in both Brooklyn and San Diego. Brooklyn tends to have neighborhoods with relatively high crime rates, but across the borough, crime rates have decreased significantly over the last few decades. Some neighborhoods in Brooklyn are now considered as safe as many suburban areas. On the other hand, San Diego is widely recognized as one of the safer big cities in the United States, with crime rates generally lower compared to national averages. Tourists and potential residents should research individual neighborhoods for accurate safety conditions.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in both Brooklyn and San Diego is significantly higher than the national average. However, Brooklyn, especially in sought-after neighborhoods, can be considerably more expensive in terms of groceries, housing, and utilities. San Diego is also expensive, but generally offers a lower cost of living than Brooklyn.

Income Tax

New York City residents, including Brooklyn, pay both a state and a city income tax, which can be significant at higher income levels. San Diego residents also pay state income tax, but they do not have a city income tax, which may lower the overall taxation burden.

Property Tax

Property tax rates in both cities vary. Properties in Brooklyn tend to have lower property tax rates due to higher property values, while San Diego's property tax rates are generally higher, yet its properties may be less expensive.

Sales Tax

Brooklyn residents pay a relatively high sales tax of 8.875% combining state and city rates while San Diego has a rate of 7.75%. However, for large purchases, these differences could accumulate.
Income
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Estimated median household income $67,567 $93,042
Estimated per capita income $39,536 $48,380
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) 185.4 126.4

If you make $50,000 in San Diego, you will have to make $73,339 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.

Geographical Conditions

Geography significantly defines both locales. Brooklyn is part of Long Island, making it a coastal city, yet its feel is urban due to its ties with New York City. San Diego's geography is diverse with beaches, cliffs, canyons, and mountains, emphasized by its pacific coastal location.
Geographical information
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Land area 70.6 sq. miles 324.3 sq. miles
Population density 35,956 people per sq. mile 4,259.7 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY San Diego, CA

Education

Both cities offer strong educational systems. Brooklyn is part of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school district in America, known for its diverse set of high-quality schools. It's also home to noteworthy higher education institutions like Brooklyn College. San Diego boasts excellent public, charter, and private schools. It houses prominent universities including the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), known for its exceptional programs in biotechnology, healthcare, and engineering.
School enrollment
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Nursery, preschool 45,137 (6.2%) 17,408 (5.2%)
Kindergarten 40,917 (5.6%) 15,191 (4.5%)
Grade 1 to 4 154,719 (21.1%) 57,255 (17%)
Grade 5 to 8 150,759 (20.6%) 50,659 (15.1%)
Grade 9 to 12 165,930 (22.7%) 61,511 (18.3%)
College undergrad 140,617 (19.2%) 105,968 (31.5%)
Graduate or professional 33,593 (4.6%) 28,062 (8.4%)
Students in private schools - absolute values
Type Count
Grade BrooklynSan Diego
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 61,645 12,248
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 30,239 7,798
Undergraduate colleges 50,226 23,490
Students in private schools - percentage
Type Percentage
Grade BrooklynSan Diego
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 20.2% 11.4%
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 18.2% 12.7%
Undergraduate colleges 35.7% 22.2%
Educational attainment
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Less than high school 31.2% 10.1%
High school or equiv. 26.7% 15.7%
Less than 1 year of college 4.6% 5.2%
1 or more years of college 9.9% 12.7%
Associate degree 5.7% 7.4%
Bachelor's degree 13% 28.5%
Master's degree 6% 13.1%
Profess. school degree 2.1% 3.4%
Doctorate degree 0.7% 3.8%
Education level (25-year-olds and older)
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Bachelor's degree or higher 21.8% 48.8%
Graduate or professional degree 8.8% 20.3%
High school or higher 68.8% 89.9%

Work and Economy

Brooklyn's economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, retail trade, and educational services. San Diego's economy is more focused on military-defense, tourism, international trade, and biotechnology. Both cities offer an array of job opportunities, but potential industry fit could be a determining factor for relocation.

Biggest Employers

In Brooklyn, major employers are JPMorgan Chase, New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, and Mount Sinai Health System. In San Diego, prominent employers include Naval Base San Diego, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.

In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.

Elections
Type DemocratsRepublicansOther
Year BrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan Diego
2020 76.9% 60.3% 22.2% 37.5% 1.0% 2.1%
2016 79.6% 56.3% 17.5% 36.6% 2.9% 7.1%
2012 82.1% 52.6% 16.9% 45.0% 0.9% 2.4%
2008 79.9% 54.2% 20.1% 44.0% 0.0% 1.8%
2004 75.0% 46.7% 24.3% 52.9% 0.7% 0.4%
2000 81.0% 45.8% 15.7% 49.8% 3.3% 4.5%
1996 80.1% 44.1% 15.1% 45.6% 4.9% 10.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type AdherentsCongregations
Religion BrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan Diego
CATHOLIC CHURCH 24.9% 25.9% 7.5% 6.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE 3.8% 0.7% 4.2% 1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA 1.9% 0.1% 3.8% 1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 1.0% 0.5% 5.2% 2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 0.7% 0.4% 2.3% 2.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 0.2% 0.4% 2.0% 2.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 0.2% 1.1% 2.4% 12.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH 0.0% 0.4% 0.6% 2.2%

Weather

The weather is one of the most discernible contrasts. Brooklyn experiences a full range of seasons from hot, humid summers to cold, snowy winters while San Diego enjoys a year-round moderate climate, known for its warm, sunny days and cool nights. This consistently pleasant climate makes it a favorite choice for those who prefer outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Temperature - Average 55.1°F 64.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity 68.7% 74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity 26.1% 22%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 76.8% 80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 50.7% 58%
Precipitation - Yearly average 46.5 in 11 in
Snowfall - Yearly average 53.4 in 0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds 16.7% 24.3%
Sunshine amount - Average 60.2% 74.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year 20% 19%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly 64% 75%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly 44% 56%
Wind speed - Average 10.6 mph 6.9 mph

Average climate in Brooklyn, New York

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Average climate in San Diego, California

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Air pollution
Type AQICONO2OZONEPBPM10PM25SO2
Year BrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan DiegoBrooklynSan Diego
2018 93 101 0.31 0.53 16.8 11.2 24.2 32.6 N/A 0.007 N/A N/A 7.0 10.5 0.4 0.1
2017 95 115 0.25 0.63 17.0 12.7 24.5 32.7 N/A 0.007 N/A N/A 7.1 10.8 0.3 0.1
2016 93 105 0.31 0.46 17.7 13.0 24.8 30.4 N/A 0.006 N/A N/A 7.2 11.4 0.5 0.1
2015 100 111 0.38 0.43 18.2 13.2 24.1 29.9 N/A 0.005 N/A N/A 8.0 11.9 0.7 0.1
2014 95 105 0.38 0.44 18.5 11.6 23.5 31.1 N/A 0.007 N/A N/A 7.8 11.1 0.9 0.1
2013 96 138 0.41 0.50 18.9 12.4 24.4 27.4 N/A 0.019 N/A N/A 8.5 12.3 1.0 0.2
2012 98 110 0.44 0.53 18.3 12.7 24.4 28.0 N/A 0.019 N/A N/A 9.2 13.6 1.6 0.2
2011 107 122 0.43 0.51 20.7 13.5 23.6 29.0 N/A 0.034 N/A N/A 10.3 14.0 2.4 1.5
2010 112 109 0.43 0.52 19.4 14.0 24.7 29.3 N/A 0.019 N/A N/A 10.0 13.9 2.3 1.0
2009 104 121 0.43 0.64 21.5 15.6 20.7 26.9 N/A 0.014 N/A N/A 10.2 15.1 3.1 2.7
2008 109 127 0.47 0.71 22.6 16.1 21.3 28.4 0.013 N/A N/A 67.3 11.8 N/A 4.1 2.6
2007 121 157 0.53 0.71 23.5 16.4 20.8 28.0 0.016 0.012 N/A 64.6 12.4 N/A 4.8 2.8
2006 116 123 0.61 0.81 24.2 18.9 20.7 27.1 0.018 0.056 N/A 64.8 13.0 N/A 5.7 3.4
2005 107 112 0.74 0.90 26.1 19.2 19.6 24.4 N/A 0.049 N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.5 3.7
2004 106 120 0.74 0.93 25.8 18.4 18.5 25.9 0.030 0.055 N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.1 4.6
2003 107 124 0.81 0.88 27.4 19.4 18.4 25.4 0.021 0.049 26.9 N/A N/A N/A 7.4 3.8
2002 122 125 0.76 0.86 27.9 20.9 19.9 25.9 0.008 0.039 26.2 N/A N/A N/A 6.5 3.6
2001 121 132 0.80 0.93 29.5 20.4 22.3 26.5 0.020 0.048 27.3 N/A N/A N/A 7.8 3.4
2000 115 134 0.92 1.02 29.8 22.3 20.3 23.8 0.022 0.054 22.2 N/A N/A N/A 7.4 3.6
Natural disasters
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average 56.4% 6.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average 30.8% 5,835%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average 17% 39%

Transportation

Brooklyn provides excellent public transportation, primarily via the subway and bus system. Many residents don't own cars and commuting times can vary dramatically. San Diego, being a more spread-out city, is more car-oriented and public transportation isn't as comprehensive. Commute times can be long due to traffic.
Transport
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Amtrak stations 0 1
Amtrak stations nearby 3 2
FAA registered aircraft 149 852
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers 2 33
Means of transportation to work
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Bicycle 0.5% 0.6%
Bus 10.4% 2%
Carpooled 8% 9.4%
Car alone 22.4% 81.7%
Ferryboat 0% 0.1%
Motorcycle 0% 0.3%
Railroad 1.4% 0.5%
Streetcar 0.2% 0%
Subway 44.8% 0.1%
Taxicab 0.7% 0.1%
Walked 8.8% 3.6%
Means of transportation to work
Means of transportation to work
Average travel time to work
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Average 44.5 min 27.4 min
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work

Real Estate

The real-estate market in both cities is valuable due to location, but they differ considerably in style. Brooklyn offers brownstones, townhouses, and apartments, with prices varying significantly based on neighborhood. In contrast, San Diego's real estate is dominated by suburban-style detached homes and condos, with coastal properties commanding premium prices.

Neighborhoods

Both cities offer a diverse range of neighborhoods to fit different lifestyles. Brooklyn is famous for its eclectic mix of neighborhoods like trendy Williamsburg, family-friendly Park Slope, and historic Brooklyn Heights. San Diego is known for its beach locales like La Jolla, vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, and artsy North Park.
Houses and residents
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Houses 930,866 555,456
Average household size (people) 2.7 2.6
Houses occupied 880,727 (94.6%) 521,000 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners 238,290 (27.1%) 251,507 (48.3%)
Houses occupied by renters 642,437 (72.9%) 269,493 (51.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units $1,589 $2,096
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos $1,621,117 $957,871
Estimated median house or condo value $793,300 $768,800
Median number of rooms in apartments 3.6 3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos 5.2 5.9
Renting percentage 72.3% 51.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) 13,184 1,712.6
Household income disparities 48.5% 42.3%
Housing units without a mortgage 29,251 (32.9%) 2,803 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan 183 (0.2%) 12,495 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage 59,793 (67.1%) 177,643 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan 4,512 (5.1%) 694 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage 5,098 (5.7%) 16,654 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities 1.5% 0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities 1.7% 0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures BrooklynSan Diego
One, detached 5.0% 43.4%
One, attached 8.7% 9.9%
Two 18.1% 1.9%
3 or 4 17.1% 6.0%
5 to 9 11.1% 9.3%
10 to 19 6.0% 7.4%
20 to 49 13.6% 6.3%
50 or more 20.3% 14.6%
Mobile homes 0.1% 1.0%
Marital status
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Divorced 7.2% 8.7%
Never married 37.3% 40.5%
Now married 48.2% 45.1%
Separated 4.6% 1.9%
Widowed 7.4% 3.9%
Class of workers - percentage
Class of Workers BrooklynSan Diego
Employee of private company 64.4% 66.4%
Local government workers 13.1% 6.4%
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 9.4% 9.8%
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 5.0% 5.8%
State government workers 3.0% 4.3%
Self-employed in own incorporated business 2.5% 3.9%
Federal government workers 2.4% 3.5%
Unpaid family workers 0.2% 0.1%
Class of workers - absolute values
Class of Workers BrooklynSan Diego
Employee of private company 596,823 456,519
Federal government workers 21,988 23,728
Local government workers 121,570 43,803
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 87,302 67,149
Self-employed in own incorporated business 23,615 26,516
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 45,971 39,709
State government workers 27,527 29,438
Unpaid family workers 2,234 808

Industries and Occupations

In Brooklyn, the top industries are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and education, with most residents working in these sectors. San Diego's top industries include defense, tourism, biotech, and telecommunications, creating a technological hub for professionals looking for jobs in these areas.
Food environment data per 10,000 residents
Food environment statistics BrooklynSan Diego
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 0.3 1.7
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 0.6 0.8
Number of full-service restaurants 5.0 7.6
Number of grocery stores 5.8 1.9
Food environment - absolute values
Food environment statistics BrooklynSan Diego
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 68 487
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 140 227
Number of full-service restaurants 1,277 2,238
Number of grocery stores 1,469 574
Number of supercenters and club stores 2 17
Obesity and diabetes
Food environment statistics rate BrooklynSan Diego
Adult diabetes rate 8.5% 6.5%
Adult obesity rate 24.7% 22.2%
Low-income preschool obesity rate 13.0% 16.0%

Health Care

Brooklyn provides access to world-class healthcare facilities, including multiple top-ranked hospitals. Likewise, San Diego is recognized in the healthcare field with facilities like UC San Diego Health and Scripps Memorial Hospital being highly regarded.
Health (county statistics)
Type Brooklyn San Diego
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) 3.4 3.6
Average weight of females (lbs) 161.8 lbs 153.7 lbs
Average weight of males (lbs) 185.6 lbs 189.9 lbs
Residents visited a dentist within the past year 67.1% 73.5%
Residents exercised in the past month 69.9% 79%
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days 71.7% 82.1%
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives 39.2% 41.3%
Mechanisms of suicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism BrooklynSan Diego
Suicides from 2000 to 2006 45.3 103.8
Cut / Pierce 1.4 2.3
Drowning 1.8 2.1
Fall 7.9 6.3
Firearm 8.4 45.1
Poisoning 5.6 20.2
Suffocation 16.2 22.8

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Brooklyn, featuring historic buildings and reliable public transportation via the NYC subway system, contrasts decidedly with San Diego, where new-age architecture and car-focused transit are prevalent. However, both cities continually invest in developing and improving their infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Hospitals 104 26
TV stations 29 13
Bank branches located here 271 255
Bank institutions located here 41 40
Main business address for public companies 9 92
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past 12 5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past 75 20

Schools

School facilities
Type Brooklyn San Diego
Private elementary/middle schools 151 39
Private high schools 128 22
Public elementary/middle schools 405 221
Public high schools 176 71
Colleges/Universities 48 36

Culture and Food

Both cities are diverse melting pots of culture and cuisine. Brooklyn is known for its thriving arts scene, rich history, and diverse food culture including pizza, bagels, and international cuisines. San Diego's culinary scene features outstanding Mexican food, seafood, and craft beer culture. It also offers many outdoor activities such as surfing, beach-going, hiking, and more due to its geographical location.

Sports Teams

Both cities have passionate sports cultures. Brooklyn hosts the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and the New York Islanders (NHL). San Diego residents root for the San Diego Padres (MLB); despite losing their NFL franchise to LA, the football spirit remains vibrant.