Two west coast cities, San Diego, CA, and Seattle, WA, both have their unique characteristics that attract residents and visitors alike. San Diego is known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and thriving tourism industry, while Seattle boasts a thriving tech industry, distinct neighborhoods, and a reputation for coffee and bookstores. This thorough comparison provides insights into how the two cities meet numerous essential aspects of life, from crime and safety, education, and the economy, to culture, transportation, and healthcare.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Seattle, WA : 1,061.0 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 88%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Seattle has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) during that time.
San Diego is one of the safer large cities in the U.S, with a crime rate relatively lower than Seattle. However, specific neighborhoods in both cities rate higher, so research is essential before moving. Tourists visiting either city are generally safe, particularly in well-traveled areas.
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 1,386 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 595 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,015 to 1; the ratio in Seattle is 1,184 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Diego is near to than in Seattle.
Cost of Living
Living in either city is expensive, significantly higher than the national average. However, Seattle's cost of living can be slightly higher, depending on factors such as housing and transportation. San Diego is seen as more affordable when compared to other Californian cities, like San Francisco.
Income Tax
California imposes a state income tax, affecting San Diego residents, while Washington state, and hence Seattle, has no income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in both cities are comparable, leaning a bit higher in Seattle. However, due to the home values, the total property tax bill might be higher in Seattle.
Sales Tax
Seattle residents experience a higher sales tax rate, with Washington state lacking an income tax. Conversely, San Diego's sales tax is lighter, but California residents pay a state income tax.
Income
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$110,781
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$74,733
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
118.5
If you make $50,000 in Seattle, you will have to make $53,333 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Seattle is distinguished by its waterfront setting, hilly topography, and views of the Cascade and Olympic mountains. San Diego's geographical features include beautiful beaches, bay, and pleasant coastal plains.
Both cities offer superb educational opportunities. Seattle's public school system and higher education institutions like the University of Washington are highly rated. San Diego provides excellent public, charter, and private schools and is home to notable universities such as University of California San Diego.
Seattle dominates in the technology sector, hosting headquarters for global giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. Conversely, San Diego's economy is based largely on military and defense-related industries, international trade, and tourism.
Biggest Employers
In Seattle, the largest employers are Amazon, Microsoft, and the University of Washington. In San Diego, the Navy, UC San Diego, and the County of San Diego are the largest employers.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
2020
60.3%
75.1%
37.5%
22.3%
2.1%
2.6%
2016
56.3%
70.0%
36.6%
21.1%
7.1%
8.9%
2012
52.6%
69.0%
45.0%
28.5%
2.4%
2.5%
2008
54.2%
70.2%
44.0%
28.1%
1.8%
1.7%
2004
46.7%
65.1%
52.9%
33.8%
0.4%
1.1%
2000
45.8%
60.3%
49.8%
34.5%
4.5%
5.2%
1996
44.1%
56.4%
45.6%
31.4%
10.3%
12.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
14.4%
6.7%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
0.3%
12.0%
3.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.6%
1.1%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
2.0%
2.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
2.0%
2.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
1.3%
2.0%
4.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.2%
2.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
1.5%
2.9%
Weather
Weather-wise, the cities contrast significantly. San Diego enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, with an average temperature of 70°F. Seattle, however, is known for its overcast, rainy weather, especially in the fall and winter.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
52.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
78.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
36.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
21.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
11.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
49.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
20%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
San Diego
Seattle
2018
101
82
0.53
0.21
11.2
10.6
32.6
20.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
8.3
0.1
0.7
2017
115
92
0.63
0.23
12.7
11.1
32.7
21.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
8.8
0.1
0.3
2016
105
67
0.46
0.22
13.0
11.9
30.4
20.3
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
6.6
0.1
0.6
2015
111
81
0.43
0.23
13.2
10.8
29.9
19.3
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
8.5
0.1
0.8
2014
105
75
0.44
0.24
11.6
11.5
31.1
19.5
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
7.4
0.1
N/A
2013
138
81
0.50
0.24
12.4
N/A
27.4
17.4
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
9.1
0.2
0.8
2012
110
77
0.53
0.23
12.7
N/A
28.0
19.5
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
7.7
0.2
1.0
2011
122
72
0.51
0.24
13.5
N/A
29.0
18.6
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
7.5
1.5
1.1
2010
109
71
0.52
0.24
14.0
N/A
29.3
18.0
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
6.7
1.0
1.1
2009
121
94
0.64
0.27
15.6
N/A
26.9
17.7
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
8.0
2.7
1.4
2008
127
80
0.71
0.30
16.1
N/A
28.4
17.8
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
6.5
2.6
1.3
2007
157
83
0.71
0.30
16.4
N/A
28.0
18.2
0.012
N/A
64.6
20.3
N/A
7.9
2.8
1.5
2006
123
98
0.81
N/A
18.9
N/A
27.1
18.3
0.056
N/A
64.8
22.6
N/A
8.7
3.4
N/A
2005
112
101
0.90
0.80
19.2
18.3
24.4
N/A
0.049
N/A
N/A
24.5
N/A
9.5
3.7
3.5
2004
120
102
0.93
0.81
18.4
17.9
25.9
N/A
0.055
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
4.6
3.0
2003
124
91
0.88
0.78
19.4
18.5
25.4
N/A
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
3.8
2.4
2002
125
87
0.86
0.82
20.9
19.3
25.9
N/A
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
3.6
2.7
2001
132
88
0.93
0.90
20.4
20.7
26.5
N/A
0.048
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
3.4
3.7
2000
134
98
1.02
1.06
22.3
20.9
23.8
N/A
0.054
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
3.6
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
5.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
1,394.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
30%
Transportation
Seattle has robust public transportation, including buses, light rail, and ferries. In contrast, San Diego primarily relies on its highway system, with a less extensive public transit network.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
852
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Bicycle
0.6%
2.1%
Bus
2%
8.9%
Carpooled
9.4%
8.7%
Car alone
81.7%
67.8%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0.7%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.3%
Railroad
0.5%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Subway
0.1%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3.6%
8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Average
27.4 min
35 min
Other means
22.7 min
23.5 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
35.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
89%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
1.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Seattle's real-estate market is slightly more expensive than San Diego's due to high demand and limited supply. Both cities offer diverse housing options, from trendy downtown apartments to suburban single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast distinct neighborhoods. Seattle has Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Pioneer Square, each offering a unique feel. San Diego has trendy areas like La Jolla, Gaslamp Quarter, and Old Town.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Houses
555,456
384,799
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.1
Median year apartment built
1980
1987
Median year house/condo built
1977
1955
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
12.4 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
351,650 (91.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
161,587 (46%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
190,063 (54%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$2,780
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,984
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$860,506
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$848,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$764,579
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$719,049
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$626,370
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$226,727
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$219,865
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$925,507
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
42
47
Renting percentage
51.7%
51.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
4,587.9
House value disparities
23.6%
20.6%
Household income disparities
42.3%
42.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$189,767
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$112,771
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
2,459 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
12,354 (10.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
115,481 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
240 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
13,881 (11.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
2.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Seattle
One, detached
43.4%
39.6%
One, attached
9.9%
6.0%
Two
1.9%
2.0%
3 or 4
6.0%
3.2%
5 to 9
9.3%
5.7%
10 to 19
7.4%
7.0%
20 to 49
6.3%
11.9%
50 or more
14.6%
24.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
24,994
State government workers
29,438
27,235
Unpaid family workers
808
947
Industries and Occupations
Tech jobs rule in Seattle, with Amazon and Microsoft providing many employment opportunities. San Diego's dominant industries include defense/military, tourism, international trade, and research.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare, with numerous top-rated hospitals and medical research facilities. However, due to higher living costs, healthcare costs in these cities could be higher than the national average.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Seattle
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities are well-served by infrastructure, with robust telecommunications networks and transportation systems. Nonetheless, San Diego's infrastructure leans more towards accommodating its vast tourism industry.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Seattle
Hospitals
26
22
TV stations
13
17
Arenas or stadiums
4
5
Bank branches located here
255
236
Bank institutions located here
40
37
Main business address for public companies
92
54
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Seattle
1999
3,865
1,357
2000
2,257
1,148
2001
1,754
890
2002
2,118
840
2003
5,074
1,421
2004
7,646
1,810
2005
8,409
2,341
2006
7,551
2,789
2007
5,741
2,273
2008
2,876
1,113
2009
1,675
748
Culture and Food
Seattle is renowned for its coffee culture, craft beer, fish market, and robust art scene. San Diego offers gorgeous beaches, surfing, an equally impressive craft beer scene, and Mexican cuisine heavily influences its food culture.
Sports Teams
Sports fans in Seattle follow the Seahawks (NFL), Sounders (MLS), and Mariners (MLB). In San Diego, fans root for the Padres (MLB) and have a strong college athletics scene.
San Diego, CA
Seattle, WA
