Los Angeles vs San Diego: Which City Is Better?

Los Angeles vs. San Diego; which one is better? Los Angeles and San Diego are two of the world’s most sought-after living and vacation destinations, and they are also incredibly different despite their proximity.

While both are coastal cities that boast a Southern California climate, San Diego is very much known for its reputation as a laid-back beach city. In contrast, Los Angeles is known as the fast-paced entertainment capital of the world.

We have compiled information on some of the most important factors to weigh when deciding which city is a better fit for you. As you read ahead, you will find that each city is very much suited to different residents and that the “better city” is up to you to decide.

According to costofliving.org, the overall cost of living in Los Angeles is 2% higher than in San Diego.

While the average cost of rent in San Diego comes in as more expensive ($1,866 in San Diego versus $1,817 in Los Angeles per person), other factors such as transportation and food expenses flip the scales for both individuals and families living in each city.

There is a significant difference in population between the cities, with Los Angeles coming in at about 3.98 Million people versus San Diego’s 1.39 Million residents.

Los Angeles vs San Diego

Vacation

Both cities are prime examples of the benefits of Southern California living with easily beautiful weather, accessible beaches, natural parks, professional sports facilities, world-class restaurants and bars, world-famous music venues and so much more.

Not to mention, both are within several hours of mountain ranges that see snow for those interested in hitting the slopes. 

While San Diego has numerous amazing performance centers and music venues, it is hard to compare to Los Angeles’s quantity of options being the home of Hollywood and the dream destination of performers throughout the world. Because of this, those interested in film or music may find themselves at home in LA.

One more thing that you are sure to find more of in a visit to LA is forest land. While San Diego has tons of protected and natural land, it is typically made up of desert and chaparral ecosystems.

These are highly diverse and beautiful wildlands, but to many, the Angeles National Forest offers unique draws to those hoping to camp and hike in the shade of beautiful, large trees. 

Both San Diego and LA have a great number of lodging options at all price points. Los Angeles does have a higher number of places to stay, but this is expected of a larger city.

Both also have a great selection of unique and eclectic stays and boutique hotels. When it comes to lodging, I believe that the cities are rather equal.

Related: 9 Best Christmas Hotels In Southern California

Nightlife

Both cities are home to some of the most exciting nightlife that the US has to offer. Despite this, there are some notable differences.

San Diego offers somewhat of a more casual nightlife experience. While there are several clubs found in the city, you will mostly find what are considered bars. San Diego also has a huge number of speakeasies and is actually well known for this.

While LA is still home to countless bars and cocktail lounges, it is also home to a much higher quantity of clubs with a higher profile than those found in San Diego. If you are looking to party with celebrities, LA is the right place to be.

Being large cities, both Los Angeles and San Diego offer a wide array of culinary options. Both are home to diverse mixtures of cultures that are reflected through food.

San Diego, being so close to Mexico, is unbeatable regarding authentic Mexican food options in the US. Once visitors experience this aspect of San Diego, they will surely be disappointed anywhere else.

Los Angeles, however, is home to a larger and more diverse immigrant population, which results in a wider variety of authentic food from different cultures.

Despite this difference, you can’t really go wrong in either city when it comes to enjoying unique and constantly changing food options.

Public Transportation

Livingcost.org reports monthly public transportation passes and gas prices are higher in Los Angeles, while individual public transportation tickets and taxis are pricier in San Diego. 

It is reported that overall transportation prices in LA are 37.5% higher, while both are well above the national average.

Because San Diego is widely known as a commuter city where most residents have cars to get around, Los Angeles has much more money going into its public transportation, particularly its metro rail system.

Despite this, San Diego still offers a significant number of trolleys, buses, and trains that residents use to traverse the city. 

Los Angeles’s high concentration of homelessness can make public transportation a bit trickier, as those lacking shelter may look to trains, buses, and their stations.

Many LA residents express concern over the trash and even human waste left behind, causing major sanitation issues. Those struggling with drug addiction or mental illness can also cause safety concerns for passengers.

San Diego is well known for its low levels of violent crime, ranking as the lowest rate of the biggest 30 cities in the US in 2018. LA, meanwhile, sees about twice this many violent crimes per capita. 

Healthcare

While both cities see high marks for their healthcare, San Diego does come in on top. San Diego’s Health Care system Index was 70.50, while that of LA was 61.58 in 2022.

Similar results were seen when polls were taken to track Satisfaction with Cost in each city. San Diego came in at 81.69, while LA saw a score of 37.39.

There is a ton of factors that go into the quality of life in any given city. Here are a few of our most notable.

Many prefer San Diego’s low-key vibe over Los Angeles’s faster-paced lifestyle. San Diego has even been ranked as the friendliest city in America and the friendliest city for the LGBTQ+ community.

While having friendly and inclusive neighbors are not always the most critical factor, they are generally considered a huge component to most in evaluating the quality of life, especially for minorities. 

Overall air quality can be a huge factor in assessing their quality of life. San Diego’s air quality is ranked significantly higher as “good,” while Los Angeles’s air quality is categorized as “moderate.”

While this may not be a deciding factor to some, those with asthma or respiratory illnesses may weigh air quality heavily. 

Maybe the most crucial factor to consider when comparing the two cities is traffic and time spent getting where you need to go. Traveling a distance that would take 15 minutes by car in San Diego can often take well over an hour due to traffic in LA.

Neither city is walkable, and both require a car or public transportation for most. Living close to both one’s place of work and necessary amenities is often not an option for those on a budget.

If you need to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego or Los Angeles.

Where to Stay In Los Angeles vs. San Diego

Los Angeles and San Diego have a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. Here’s the best option in each city:

Best place to stay in Los Angeles: The Charlie West Hollywood

Best place to stay in San Diego: Hotel Marisol Coronado

Frequently Asked Questions: Los Angeles vs. San Diego

Is Los Angeles or San Diego more expensive?

While some individual factors, such as utilities or groceries, may vary, Los Angeles is more expensive to visit and live in. 

Are the beaches in San Diego better than in Los Angeles?

Despite San Diego’s reputation as a beach city, Los Angeles really does offer just as much in terms of beaches throughout Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and other coastal neighborhoods.

While Venice is not known for having high-quality beaches, those of Santa Monica and Malibu are beautiful and very comparable to the popular beaches of San Diego (La Jolla, Windansea, Carlsbad, etc.).

Is Los Angeles or San Diego better for a family vacation?

With a lower violent crime rate, an emphasis on more family-friendly activities, and an overall slower pace of life, San Diego is the more ideal city for those traveling with children. 

Is it better to move to San Diego or Los Angeles?

I believe that Los Angeles is the right choice for those pursuing an exciting, fast-paced lifestyle full of music, art, and nightlife. Meanwhile, San Diego is the place to be for those looking for a beachy and mellow lifestyle in a less densely populated area.

Final Thoughts: Los Angeles vs. San Diego

As a Southern California resident who has spent considerable time in both cities, I can confidently say that each city is geared toward totally different residents and their wants and needs. 

Los Angeles is the city of dreams to so many and offers an exciting and constantly changing environment.

San Diego is a true beach city, emulating this throughout its slowed-down and light-hearted culture.

I believe that Lost Angeles is often magnetic to the young, single, and hungry for life, while San Diego is a utopia for those looking to raise families or spend their days peacefully.

Which would you prefer?