Example household · Flagstaff, AZ · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Flagstaff vs San Diego

Flagstaff and San Diego

Photo: Boatguy619 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in San Diego are under the US rate in this release, 2.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Flagstaff to San Diego

In 2022-2023, 60 households filed a move from Flagstaff to San Diego (about 82 people, average adjusted gross income $58,667). 89 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,643 in Flagstaff and $2,292 in San Diego. Flagstaff has a state tax on wages. San Diego has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Diego is 109% of the national level for the same work, against 82% in Flagstaff.

San Diego averages 266 sunny days, with July highs around 78°F and January nights around 50°F. Flagstaff is 272 sunny days, 106°F in July, 35°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in San Diego and 19 in Flagstaff.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 60 households moved Flagstaff → San Diego (about 82 people, average AGI $58,667). 89 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Flagstaff and San Diego changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 413 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,200–$4,100
Container or pod
$1,500–$2,800
Rent a truck
$650–$1,250

Movers in San Diego and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is San Diego cheaper than Flagstaff after tax and rent?

No. San Diego leaves about $1,270 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,643 in Flagstaff and $2,292 in San Diego.

Does San Diego have state income tax?

San Diego is in California, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Flagstaff to San Diego?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.