Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · as of July 2026
Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA side by side
| Metric | ● Los Angeles, CA | ● San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 30 | 35 |
| Price Momentum | 72 | 48 |
| Inventory Health | 29 | 44 |
| Affordability | 1 | 4 |
| Economic Strength | 33 | 55 |
| Rental Yield | 13 | 18 |
| Median Sale Price | $940K | $925K |
| Price-to-Income | 10.4 | 8.7 |
| Payment-to-Income | 62.0% | 51.7% |
| Months of Supply | 4 | 3 |
| Gross Rental Yield | 2.5% | 2.9% |
| Overvaluation Index | 70 | 80 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: San Diego, CA leads — Los Angeles, CA 1/100 vs San Diego, CA 4/100.
- Price Momentum: Los Angeles, CA leads — Los Angeles, CA 72/100 vs San Diego, CA 48/100.
- Inventory Health: San Diego, CA leads — Los Angeles, CA 29/100 vs San Diego, CA 44/100.
- Economic Strength: San Diego, CA leads — Los Angeles, CA 33/100 vs San Diego, CA 55/100.
- Rental Yield: San Diego, CA leads — Los Angeles, CA 13/100 vs San Diego, CA 18/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Los Angeles, CA or San Diego, CA?
San Diego, CA scores higher — 35 vs 30 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Los Angeles, CA or San Diego, CA more affordable?
San Diego, CA is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 10.4 in Los Angeles, CA and 8.7 in San Diego, CA.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Los Angeles, CA or San Diego, CA?
Los Angeles, CA has stronger price momentum — 72/100 vs 48/100.
What is the median home price in Los Angeles, CA vs San Diego, CA?
The median sale price is $940K in Los Angeles, CA and $925K in San Diego, CA.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Los Angeles, CA market brief and the San Diego, CA brief.