Overview
San Diego, CA and Washington, DC, are two dynamic cities that offer different lifestyles, cultures, and opportunities. Both are cultural melting pots, but while San Diego is known for its relaxed coastal environment, Washington, DC is a political hub brimming with history. This comparison will consider various factors like cost of living, economy, taxes, and more, to offer insights for those considering a move or a visit to these cities.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Washington, DC : 2,268.5 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 106%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Washington has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) during that time.
San Diego is generally safer than Washington, DC. It has a lower property and violent crime rate. Though as with any city, crime rates can differ by neighborhood. Tourists and residents alike are advised to take the normal precautions in both cities. Washington, DC, with its high-profile nature and political significance, has a strong police presence throughout.
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 1,333 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 1,072 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,055 to 1; the ratio in Washington is 635 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Diego than in Washington.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both cities is relatively high compared to the US average. Housing tends to be the biggest contributor to this. Washington, DC, generally has a higher cost of living with certain goods and services being more expensive than in San Diego.
Income Tax
Washington, DC, has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 4% to 8.95%, whereas California, where San Diego is located, has an income tax rate from 1% up to 13.3%.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in San Diego than in Washington, DC.
Sales Tax
San Diego has a higher sales tax compared to Washington, DC. In San Diego, the combined state and city sales tax is 7.75%, whereas in Washington, it's 6%.
Income
Type
San Diego
Washington
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$90,088
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$65,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
124.2
If you make $50,000 in Washington, you will have to make $50,886 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego has stunning beaches, beautiful canyons, and has the Pacific Ocean as its western border. Washington, DC has a more urban landscape but is also complemented with green parks, rivers, and a few hills.
Both cities are known for their education systems. San Diego is home to several eminent universities including the University of California, San Diego. Washington, DC, houses many prestigious institutions like Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. Schools in DC tend to have smaller student populations, offering a more intimate learning experience.
Washington, DC's economy is heavily influenced by the federal government. Numerous jobs are available in government services, defense, and lobbying. San Diego, on the other hand, has a diversified economy with growing biotechnology, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors. Additionally, tourism is a major industry in both cities.
Biggest Employers
In San Diego, the biggest employers include the United States Navy and the University of California, San Diego. In Washington, DC, the federal government is the largest employer, followed by local universities and hospitals.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 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 Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
2020
60.3%
92.6%
37.5%
5.4%
2.1%
2.0%
2016
56.3%
90.9%
36.6%
4.1%
7.1%
5.0%
2012
52.6%
90.9%
45.0%
7.3%
2.4%
1.8%
2008
54.2%
92.5%
44.0%
6.5%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
46.7%
89.6%
52.9%
9.4%
0.4%
1.0%
2000
45.8%
85.2%
49.8%
9.0%
4.5%
5.9%
1996
44.1%
85.2%
45.6%
9.3%
10.3%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
12.6%
6.7%
7.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
4.4%
12.0%
10.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.7%
1.1%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
2.0%
1.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
3.1%
2.0%
5.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
2.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
2.2%
0.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
6.2%
1.5%
10.3%
Weather
San Diego is known for its mild, temperate weather year-round with an average high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, Washington, DC experiences a wider range of temperatures, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. This gives DC distinct seasons, which can be a draw for some people.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Washington
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
56.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
68.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
81%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
42.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
32.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
15.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
61.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
45%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
9.7 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
San Diego
Washington
2018
101
88
0.53
0.32
11.2
11.6
32.6
23.2
0.007
N/A
N/A
16.4
10.5
8.8
0.1
0.8
2017
115
84
0.63
0.32
12.7
12.3
32.7
24.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
16.5
10.8
9.8
0.1
1.0
2016
105
98
0.46
0.43
13.0
14.7
30.4
24.6
0.006
0.002
N/A
17.2
11.4
9.5
0.1
1.0
2015
111
91
0.43
0.34
13.2
14.8
29.9
26.2
0.005
0.002
N/A
17.0
11.9
10.4
0.1
1.3
2014
105
85
0.44
0.33
11.6
11.6
31.1
25.9
0.007
0.002
N/A
17.1
11.1
10.0
0.1
1.0
2013
138
88
0.50
0.34
12.4
11.7
27.4
25.6
0.019
0.002
N/A
17.3
12.3
11.6
0.2
1.0
2012
110
103
0.53
0.58
12.7
15.2
28.0
27.6
0.019
0.002
N/A
N/A
13.6
12.2
0.2
1.6
2011
122
105
0.51
0.67
13.5
15.4
29.0
27.7
0.034
0.002
N/A
N/A
14.0
11.4
1.5
3.1
2010
109
114
0.52
0.88
14.0
15.9
29.3
29.3
0.019
0.003
N/A
N/A
13.9
9.3
1.0
3.4
2009
121
90
0.64
0.86
15.6
16.2
26.9
24.4
0.014
0.002
N/A
N/A
15.1
7.6
2.7
4.6
2008
127
103
0.71
1.23
16.1
16.2
28.4
25.3
N/A
0.003
67.3
N/A
N/A
8.5
2.6
5.6
2007
157
113
0.71
1.17
16.4
16.8
28.0
27.1
0.012
0.004
64.6
N/A
N/A
10.4
2.8
5.1
2006
123
114
0.81
1.11
18.9
17.2
27.1
25.5
0.056
0.004
64.8
N/A
N/A
10.9
3.4
4.5
2005
112
105
0.90
0.86
19.2
20.5
24.4
22.7
0.049
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
3.7
4.5
2004
120
113
0.93
0.62
18.4
21.3
25.9
20.6
0.055
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
4.6
6.5
2003
124
108
0.88
0.90
19.4
23.6
25.4
20.8
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
3.8
8.3
2002
125
125
0.86
1.16
20.9
23.7
25.9
25.0
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
6.7
2001
132
113
0.93
1.07
20.4
23.9
26.5
22.0
0.048
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
6.7
2000
134
115
1.02
1.17
22.3
20.2
23.8
19.1
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
8.2
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Washington
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
110.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
42.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
19%
Transportation
San Diego's public transit is primarily via buses and the trolley system. Washington, D.C.'s public transportation is more extensive with the Metrorail and bus system making it easier to live without a car.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Washington
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
852
456
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Washington
Bicycle
0.6%
2%
Bus
2%
6.3%
Carpooled
9.4%
7.8%
Car alone
81.7%
62.5%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
10.6%
Subway
0.1%
1.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.8%
Walked
3.6%
5.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Washington
Average
27.4 min
39.2 min
Other means
22.7 min
26 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Washington
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
9.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In both cities, the real estate market is competitive, with prices above the national average. Washington, DC is known for its historic row houses, while San Diego offers a mix of condos, townhouses, and single-family homes, many with ocean views.
Neighborhoods
San Diego has diverse neighborhoods each with a unique vibe. From the cultural hub of Little Italy to coastal La Jolla, there's something for everyone. Washington, DC, is known for its array of quadrants and neighborhoods, such as historical Georgetown and vibrant Adams Morgan.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Washington
Houses
555,456
357,482
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.1
Median year apartment built
1980
1965
Median year house/condo built
1977
1941
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
319,565 (89.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
132,936 (41.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
186,629 (58.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$2,791
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,817
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$996,150
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$669,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$471,443
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$527,983
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$817,288
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$790,542
Median house age
42
65
Renting percentage
51.7%
58%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
5,821.9
House value disparities
23.6%
26.7%
Household income disparities
42.3%
45.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$163,111
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$108,852
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
777 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
8,586 (8.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
100,122 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
1,057 (1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
12,793 (12.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Washington
One, detached
43.4%
11.2%
One, attached
9.9%
22.2%
Two
1.9%
2.7%
3 or 4
6.0%
6.8%
5 to 9
9.3%
7.3%
10 to 19
7.4%
8.5%
20 to 49
6.3%
7.6%
50 or more
14.6%
33.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
16,654
State government workers
29,438
6,699
Unpaid family workers
808
580
Industries and Occupations
San Diego is well-known for its strong military presence and booming health and biotechnology sectors. Additional job sectors include tourism and international trade. DC is predominantly driven by the federal government, including politics, law, and diplomacy. Nonprofits, lobbying firms, and professional services firms also form a significant portion of the job market.
Both cities have access to strong healthcare systems. San Diego has well-ranking healthcare facilities like UC San Diego Health and Scripps, while DC is home to esteemed facilities like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and George Washington University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Washington
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego's infrastructure is modern, with plenty of parks, recreational facilities, and a well-functioning utility system. DC has a well-developed public transportation infrastructure with a network of buses and the Metrorail system. However, it faces some challenges with aging infrastructure and congestion.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Washington
Hospitals
26
114
TV stations
13
27
Arenas or stadiums
4
4
Bank branches located here
255
247
Bank institutions located here
40
34
Main business address for public companies
92
30
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Washington
1999
3,865
1,328
2000
2,257
1,438
2001
1,754
935
2002
2,118
886
2003
5,074
1,319
2004
7,646
2,281
2005
8,409
2,920
2006
7,551
3,362
2007
5,741
2,548
2008
2,876
1,095
2009
1,675
514
Culture and Food
San Diego boasts a vibrant mix of cultures, reflected in its food, which ranges from Mexican to seafood specialties. DC is known for its diversity and wide array of international cuisines, along with native dishes like the half-smoke.
Sports Teams
In the spirit of the friendly sports rivalry, while DC is home to the Washington Nationals (MLB), the Redskins (NFL), and the Capitals (NHL), San Diego hosts the Padres (MLB) and just lost its NFL team, the Chargers, to Los Angeles.
San Diego, CA
Washington, DC
San Diego, CA and 
Washington, DC : 2,268.5 miles
