With their unique characteristics, both San Diego, California and Northeast Jefferson, Colorado offer vibrant lifestyles, though they differ in several areas. This thorough understanding of both cities will not only aid residents looking to relocate but also assist tourists on their visit. By focusing on primary factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, and economy, etc., this comparison will offer a panoramic view of life in these contrasting yet fascinating cities.
San Diego is considered relatively safe, with crime rates lower than the national average. Its robust law enforcement and community programs work significantly towards maintaining safety. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson also has a relatively low crime rate, thanks to effective law enforcement and a strong community spirit. However, bear in mind the specific neighborhood you're in, as crime rates can vary.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Diego is considerably higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs. Everything from groceries to healthcare tends to be more expensive. Conversely, Northeast Jefferson has a lower cost of living compared to San Diego, although it is slightly above the national average influenced by housing costs.
Income Tax
California has progressive income tax rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%, one of the highest in the nation, while Colorado utilizes a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which applies to all taxpayers regardless of income level.
Property Tax
In terms of property tax, California has a rate of around 0.73%, while Colorado's property tax is slightly higher at around 0.49%. However, due to California's higher property values, homeowners in San Diego might end up paying more in absolute terms.
Sales Tax
California imposes a state sales tax of 7.25%, while San Diego adds a further 0.25%, bringing the total sales tax to 7.75%. In contrast, the Colorado state sales tax is lower at 2.9%, however, Northeast Jefferson, being part of the Denver metro, has additional local sales taxes, which can bring the total sales tax close to 7.5% on average.
Income
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$91,025
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$46,835
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
119.7
If you make $50,000 in Northeast Jefferson, you will have to make $52,799 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego enjoys beautiful coastal lines, gentle hills, canyons, and stunning landscapes, with access to beaches and hiking trails. Northeast Jefferson’s geography is characterized by its location on the high plains of Colorado, with rolling hills and proximity to prominent mountainous areas offering exciting recreational opportunities.
Geographical information
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Land area
324.3 sq. miles
172.8 sq. miles
Population density
4,259.7 people per sq. mile
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
San Diego, CA Northeast Jefferson, CO
Education
Both San Diego and Northeast Jefferson take pride in their education systems. San Diego possesses several top-rated schools and universities, including the University of San Diego and San Diego State University. The education in Northeast Jefferson is also high quality, with a mix of excellent public and private schools, with proximity to esteemed tertiary education institutions like the University of Colorado.
San Diego boasts a diverse economy with strengths in sectors like healthcare, biotech, telecommunications, and the military. Northeast Jefferson's economy is strong and diverse as well, with centers on sectors such as healthcare, retail trade, and education. Unemployment rates in both cities are roughly on par with national averages.
Biggest Employers
In San Diego, some of the largest employers include the US Navy, University of California San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare. Northeast Jefferson's economic landscape is sprinkled with several major employers, including the Denver Federal Center, Jefferson County Public Schools, and the St. Anthony hospital.
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
2020
60.3%
58.3%
37.5%
39.7%
2.1%
2.0%
2016
56.3%
49.2%
36.6%
42.3%
7.1%
8.6%
2012
52.6%
51.6%
45.0%
46.7%
2.4%
1.8%
2008
54.2%
54.0%
44.0%
44.9%
1.8%
1.1%
2004
46.7%
46.9%
52.9%
52.1%
0.4%
1.0%
2000
45.8%
43.0%
49.8%
51.1%
4.5%
5.9%
1996
44.1%
42.7%
45.6%
48.4%
10.3%
8.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
15.0%
6.7%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
1.2%
12.0%
7.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.1%
1.1%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.0%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
1.7%
2.0%
4.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
2.2%
3.3%
Weather
San Diego is known for its year-round mild and sunny weather, making it an attractive location for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The winters are mild, and summers are warm but not unbearably hot. Conversely, Northeast Jefferson offers a Continental climate with distinct seasons, including cold winters that are perfect for skiing enthusiasts and warm, pleasant summers.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
47.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
17.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
64%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
2018
101
104
0.53
0.40
11.2
22.3
32.6
34.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
29.2
10.5
8.4
0.1
0.7
2017
115
97
0.63
0.40
12.7
22.5
32.7
34.5
0.007
N/A
N/A
22.0
10.8
8.2
0.1
0.8
2016
105
90
0.46
0.44
13.0
24.4
30.4
34.3
0.006
N/A
N/A
22.6
11.4
7.8
0.1
1.0
2015
111
101
0.43
0.45
13.2
24.1
29.9
32.8
0.005
N/A
N/A
21.0
11.9
9.5
0.1
1.0
2014
105
94
0.44
0.45
11.6
23.4
31.1
33.1
0.007
N/A
N/A
25.0
11.1
10.1
0.1
1.3
2013
138
84
0.50
0.40
12.4
21.0
27.4
33.6
0.019
N/A
N/A
24.3
12.3
N/A
0.2
1.5
2012
110
91
0.53
0.34
12.7
18.9
28.0
33.4
0.019
N/A
N/A
24.4
13.6
N/A
0.2
1.3
2011
122
90
0.51
0.34
13.5
18.1
29.0
32.0
0.034
N/A
N/A
23.8
14.0
N/A
1.5
1.5
2010
109
79
0.52
0.42
14.0
16.3
29.3
29.2
0.019
N/A
N/A
26.5
13.9
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
121
76
0.64
0.38
15.6
14.1
26.9
27.9
0.014
0.005
N/A
22.5
15.1
N/A
2.7
1.3
2008
127
85
0.71
0.42
16.1
17.3
28.4
30.8
N/A
0.008
67.3
25.5
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.6
2007
157
96
0.71
0.39
16.4
20.6
28.0
29.0
0.012
0.007
64.6
29.1
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.2
2006
123
89
0.81
0.46
18.9
19.0
27.1
29.5
0.056
0.027
64.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.4
2005
112
86
0.90
0.51
19.2
21.3
24.4
26.0
0.049
0.119
N/A
29.6
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.5
2004
120
82
0.93
0.53
18.4
21.2
25.9
24.2
0.055
0.043
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
4.6
1.8
2003
124
106
0.88
0.52
19.4
21.2
25.4
25.9
0.049
0.046
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.8
1.9
2002
125
86
0.86
0.60
20.9
19.2
25.9
25.6
0.039
0.031
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.4
2001
132
95
0.93
0.69
20.4
20.8
26.5
23.7
0.048
0.034
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.4
2.6
2000
134
94
1.02
0.70
22.3
11.7
23.8
24.5
0.054
0.037
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
118.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
826.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
12%
Transportation
San Diego has several public transportation options, including buses, light rail (the Trolley), and commuter trains, though many residents prefer driving. Northeast Jefferson benefits from Denver’s comprehensive public transportation system, comprised of light rail and bus services, but like its coastal counterpart, many residents here also prefer to commute by car.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
852
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Bicycle
0.6%
0.3%
Bus
2%
3.2%
Carpooled
9.4%
10%
Car alone
81.7%
80.3%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Walked
3.6%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Average
27.4 min
26.6 min
Real Estate
San Diego's real estate market is dynamic and expensive, with a variety of housing options from urban condos to secluded mansions. Conversely, the real estate in Northeast Jefferson is more affordable with a variety of housing options, including suburban single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.
Neighborhoods
San Diego provides a variety of neighborhoods each with distinct charms, from the historic streets of Gaslamp Quarter to the serene beauty of La Jolla. Northeast Jefferson features a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, with many families drawn to the good schools and safe environment of suburbs like Arvada and Wheat Ridge.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
Houses
555,456
180,978
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
176,726 (97.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
125,208 (70.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
51,518 (29.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,659
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$884,573
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$522,903
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
7.3
Renting percentage
51.7%
31.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
1,047.5
Household income disparities
42.3%
40.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
21,689 (19.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
469 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
90,716 (80.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
9,124 (8.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
16,287 (14.5%)
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
15,916
State government workers
29,438
7,028
Unpaid family workers
808
382
Industries and Occupations
In San Diego, the key industries are military and defense, tourism, international trade, and research. The city provides a host of opportunities in these sectors, attracting professionals from across the country. On the other hand, Northeast Jefferson is most active in industries such as education, healthcare, and retail, and leans towards occupations in management, sales, and healthcare.
Both regions boast excellent healthcare facilities. San Diego is a hub for biotech, with top-notch hospitals like the UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health systems. Northeast Jefferson benefits from systems like Centura Health, HealthONE, and UCHealth providing a broad range of first-class services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego offers fantastic infrastructural benefits with access to large airports, highways, and ports. There is a mix of older neighborhoods with character and new developments with modern amenities. Northeast Jefferson is part of the Denver metropolitan area, which benefits from excellent infrastructure, including a major airport, interconnected highways, and light rail service.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Northeast Jefferson
TV stations
13
19
Culture and Food
Known for its diverse culture, San Diego offers ongoing cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and a rich culinary scene marked by Mexican-inspired cuisine and fresh seafood. Northeast Jefferson, while quieter, enjoys a mix of Midwest and mountain-west culture, with a variety of cuisines available and a strong beer culture, influenced by numerous local craft breweries.
Sports Teams
San Diego is home to the San Diego Padres (MLB). The city also enjoys college sports and has previously hosted NFL teams. Northeast Jefferson, being part of the Denver metropolitan area, has access to multiple major league sports teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rockies (MLB), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL).
San Diego, CA
Northeast Jefferson, CO
San Diego, CA and 
Northeast Jefferson, CO : 824.3 miles
