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.
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.
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
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San 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
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San 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
Average climate in San Diego, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San Diego
Brooklyn
San 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%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
San Diego
Average
44.5 min
27.4 min
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
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.
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)
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.
Brooklyn, NY
San Diego, CA
