San Diego, CA, and Portland, OR, both present great lifestyle opportunities but differ dramatically in terms of weather, cultural vibe, cost of living, and industry emphasis. San Diego is known for its year-round sunshine, spectacular beaches, and sizable military presence, while Portland stands out for its uniquely eclectic atmosphere, rainy climate, and focus on sustainability. Both cities have their own unique charm and offer a range of amenities and opportunities to both residents and visitors.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Portland, OR : 927.8 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 116%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.
When it comes to crime and safety, both cities have their strengths and weaknesses. San Diego has traditionally had a lower crime rate than Portland. It’s considered safer than 24% of U.S. cities. However, Portland, while having a higher crime rate compared to the national average, has seen a drop in property and violent crimes in recent years. Both cities prioritize community safety, but potential residents and visitors should remain cautious and informed.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,334 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 374 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,054 to 1; the ratio in Portland is 1,710 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Diego than in Portland.
Cost of Living
When analyzing the cost of living, San Diego is more expensive than Portland. Housing costs are particularly high in San Diego. However, Portland has seen increases in cost of living due to rapid growth, but it remains a more affordable option in comparison, particularly for housing and utilities.
Income Tax
California has one of the highest state income tax rates, affecting San Diego residents. Oregon also has a high income tax rate, although slightly lower than California's.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both states are generally close, with San Diego's slightly higher but the difference is negligible.
Sales Tax
San Diego residents and visitors are subject to California's relatively high state sales tax of 7.25%, plus a local add-on. Portland, located in Oregon, does not have a state sales tax, making everyday items and larger purchases significantly cheaper.
Income
Type
San Diego
Portland
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Portland, you will have to make $59,343 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is characterized by its beautiful beaches, bay, and fairly flat terrain. Portland is enriched by its proximity to Mount Hood and the Columbia River, with much more varied and green terrain due to higher rainfall.
Both cities boast strong education systems. San Diego has an array of highly-rated public and private schools and is home to renowned universities like UC San Diego and San Diego State University. Portland, similarly, has quality public and private schools with several notable higher education institutions, including Reed College and Portland State University.
San Diego's economy is centered around military/defense, tourism, international trade, and research/healthcare, making it a prime location for related occupations. However, Portland's economy, while diverse, has a stronger emphasis on the tech industry, outdoor sportswear, and sustainable energy. This difference could influence occupational opportunities for potential residents.
Biggest Employers
In San Diego, the largest employers include the US Navy, UC San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare. In Portland, Intel, Providence Health & Services, and Nike top the list of major employers.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 more than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
2020
60.3%
79.2%
37.5%
17.9%
2.1%
2.9%
2016
56.3%
73.3%
36.6%
17.0%
7.1%
9.7%
2012
52.6%
75.4%
45.0%
20.6%
2.4%
4.0%
2008
54.2%
76.7%
44.0%
20.6%
1.8%
2.7%
2004
46.7%
71.6%
52.9%
27.1%
0.4%
1.3%
2000
45.8%
63.8%
49.8%
28.3%
4.5%
7.9%
1996
44.1%
59.2%
45.6%
26.3%
10.3%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
15.2%
6.7%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
0.5%
12.0%
3.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.3%
1.1%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
2.0%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
2.0%
2.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.9%
2.0%
4.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.2%
2.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.8%
1.5%
2.7%
Weather
The climates in these cities are starkly different. San Diego is known for its warm, pleasant weather throughout the year, with averages ranging from 50-77°F. In stark contrast, Portland experiences a cool, temperate climate with much more rainfall and weather averages between 36-81°F. This difference makes San Diego attractive to sun lovers while Portland appeals to those who appreciate cooler, cloudier weather with ample green landscapes.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Portland
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
20%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
San Diego
Portland
San Diego
Portland
2018
101
79
0.53
0.26
11.2
8.8
32.6
21.4
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
7.2
0.1
0.4
2017
115
93
0.63
0.26
12.7
8.7
32.7
22.6
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
7.1
0.1
0.4
2016
105
72
0.46
0.25
13.0
8.7
30.4
20.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
5.2
0.1
0.2
2015
111
91
0.43
0.28
13.2
9.2
29.9
20.1
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
7.4
0.1
0.5
2014
105
91
0.44
0.24
11.6
8.5
31.1
21.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
6.3
0.1
0.8
2013
138
85
0.50
0.29
12.4
9.6
27.4
17.9
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
8.6
0.2
1.1
2012
110
78
0.53
0.30
12.7
9.1
28.0
21.0
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
7.4
0.2
0.6
2011
122
89
0.51
0.34
13.5
9.4
29.0
18.5
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
8.1
1.5
0.8
2010
109
80
0.52
0.33
14.0
9.1
29.3
19.4
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
6.4
1.0
1.4
2009
121
95
0.64
0.32
15.6
10.2
26.9
20.0
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
8.4
2.7
1.6
2008
127
101
0.71
0.34
16.1
10.9
28.4
19.2
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
8.8
2.6
1.0
2007
157
101
0.71
0.35
16.4
11.4
28.0
18.1
0.012
N/A
64.6
N/A
N/A
8.8
2.8
1.3
2006
123
106
0.81
N/A
18.9
N/A
27.1
N/A
0.056
N/A
64.8
N/A
N/A
7.8
3.4
1.5
2005
112
96
0.90
N/A
19.2
N/A
24.4
N/A
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
3.7
1.7
2004
120
92
0.93
N/A
18.4
N/A
25.9
N/A
0.055
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
4.6
N/A
2003
124
77
0.88
N/A
19.4
N/A
25.4
N/A
0.049
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
3.8
N/A
2002
125
68
0.86
N/A
20.9
N/A
25.9
N/A
0.039
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
3.6
N/A
2001
132
73
0.93
N/A
20.4
N/A
26.5
N/A
0.048
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
3.4
N/A
2000
134
52
1.02
N/A
22.3
N/A
23.8
N/A
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
9%
Transportation
While both cities provide public transit systems, Portland's is ranked among the most bike-friendly in the country. Conversely, San Diego's transit system is more car-focused, with an extensive freeway system and longer commuting times.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Portland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
852
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Portland
Bicycle
0.6%
3.1%
Bus
2%
4.6%
Carpooled
9.4%
9.4%
Car alone
81.7%
76.2%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0.5%
0.9%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Walked
3.6%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Portland
Average
27.4 min
28.8 min
Other means
22.7 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
38.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Portland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Both cities have robust real estate markets, but San Diego's median home price is higher. Portland has a more affordable housing market, but prices there are rising faster than in most of the country as the city grows in popularity.
Neighborhoods
In San Diego, neighborhoods like La Jolla and Carmel Valley draw in families with their top-rated schools and safety, while areas like Gaslamp Quarter attract visitors with their lively entertainment scene. In Portland, Alberta Arts District and The Pearl District are known for their cultural vibrancy and eclectic charm.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Portland
Houses
555,456
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Median year apartment built
1980
1976
Median year house/condo built
1977
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,917
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$520,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$466,898
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$136,996
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$219,865
$126,313
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$416,951
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$544,799
Median house age
42
56
Renting percentage
51.7%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
2,259.4
House value disparities
23.6%
23.1%
Household income disparities
42.3%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$72,663
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
12,832 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Portland
One, detached
43.4%
53.3%
One, attached
9.9%
5.7%
Two
1.9%
3.5%
3 or 4
6.0%
4.5%
5 to 9
9.3%
4.0%
10 to 19
7.4%
4.7%
20 to 49
6.3%
6.6%
50 or more
14.6%
16.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
25,437
State government workers
29,438
15,615
Unpaid family workers
808
688
Industries and Occupations
In San Diego, healthcare, education, defense, and tourism are prominent industries. In contrast, Portland is well-known for its technology and green energy sectors, while also hosting a productive landscape for creatives, independent businesses, and sportswear companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear.
Both cities have excellent healthcare institutions. San Diego showcases UCSD Health and Rady Children's Hospital, while Portland is home to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, highly rated healthcare centers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego's infrastructure, with its complex highway systems and international airport, supports its bustling tourism industry well, while Portland's infrastructure leans heavily on public transit and bike-friendly routes, reflecting its emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Portland
Hospitals
26
21
TV stations
13
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
255
208
Bank institutions located here
40
30
Main business address for public companies
92
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Portland
1999
3,865
1,922
2000
2,257
1,651
2001
1,754
1,193
2002
2,118
1,235
2003
5,074
1,844
2004
7,646
2,651
2005
8,409
3,396
2006
7,551
3,510
2007
5,741
3,008
2008
2,876
1,465
2009
1,675
712
Culture and Food
San Diego's cultural roots run deep with a strong Mexican influence, reflected in its famous cuisine and annual cultural events. Portland, in contrast, is known for its hip, alternative scene, with a focus on local, sustainable foods and a thriving craft beer and coffee culture.
Sports Teams
San Diego is home to the Padres (MLB) and is intensely supportive of them since Chargers (NFL) left for LA. Portland is a passionate basketball city hosting the Trail Blazers (NBA), with soccer also hugely popular (the Portland Timbers and Thorns).
San Diego, CA
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA and 
Portland, OR : 927.8 miles
