đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Bentonville and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Bentonville vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Bentonville | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $108,465 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $500,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 75.8 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.1 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 671.9 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 53.7% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Bentonville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you’ve got San Diego, the sun-soaked crown jewel of Southern California. Think perfect weather, world-class beaches, and a vibe that says, “Life’s a beach, and I’m living it.” On the other side? Bentonville, Arkansas. The “Mountain Bike Capital of the World” and the quiet, corporate headquarters of Walmart. It’s the unexpected tech hub in the heart of the Ozarks.
Choosing between these two is like deciding between a luxury convertible and a rugged, high-tech pickup truck. Both get you where you need to go, but the ride—and the price tag—are worlds apart.
This isn't just about preference; it's about math, lifestyle, and what you value most. Let’s break it down, head-to-head.
1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Diego is quintessential Southern California. It’s a massive, sprawling metro area (over 1.3 million people) with a laid-back, coastal culture. The focus is on outdoor living—surfing, hiking, sailing, and enjoying an incredibly diverse food scene. The economy is powered by biotech, military, tourism, and tech. It’s cosmopolitan, diverse, and energetic. You’re trading a 9-to-5 for a 7-to-7 (as in, 7 AM surf, 7 PM tacos). It’s for the go-getter who wants world-class amenities and doesn’t mind paying for them.
Bentonville is a different beast. It’s a small, tight-knit community (just over 56,000 people) that has exploded in the last decade thanks to Walmart and a massive influx of tech and retail talent. The vibe is “Midwestern friendly meets Silicon Valley ambition.” The culture is family-oriented, outdoorsy (in a different way—think mountain biking, hiking, and lakes), and surprisingly sophisticated for a town of its size. It’s for the professional who wants a high-powered career without the big-city chaos, who values community and wants their dollar to stretch impossibly far.
Who’s it for?
- San Diego: The social butterfly, the outdoor enthusiast, the foodie, the biotech whiz, and anyone who believes 70°F and sunny is a non-negotiable.
- Bentonville: The young family, the remote worker, the Walmart supplier, the mountain biker, and the person who wants a big house in a great school district without the coastal sticker shock.
2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. On paper, the median incomes are shockingly similar: $105,780 in San Diego vs. $108,465 in Bentonville. But purchasing power? They’re in different universes.
Let’s look at the hard numbers for a typical household:
| Category | San Diego, CA | Bentonville, AR | Winner for Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $500,000 | Bentonville (by a mile) |
| Avg. Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $773 | Bentonville |
| Housing Index | 185.8 (Very High) | 75.8 (Low) | Bentonville |
| Utilities | High (due to AC & water rates) | Moderate (seasonal heating/cooling) | Bentonville |
| Groceries | ~12% above nat'l avg | ~2% below nat'l avg | Bentonville |
| State Income Tax | 1% - 13.3% (High) | 0% (No state income tax) | Bentonville |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
If you make $100,000 in San Diego, after California’s brutal state income tax (which can take 9-11% of your income at this level), you’re left with roughly $70,000 in take-home pay. But your housing costs (rent or mortgage) will consume a massive chunk of that—often 40-50% of your gross income.
In Bentonville, with 0% state income tax, that same $100,000 salary nets you about $78,000 after federal taxes. And your housing? A median home at $500k with a mortgage (or rent at $773) might only eat up 20-25% of your income.
The Verdict on Purchasing Power: Bentonville doesn’t just win; it dominates. You are effectively earning more in Bentonville because your cost of living is drastically lower. In San Diego, you’re paying a premium for the weather and the location. In Bentonville, you’re getting a massive discount on the American dream.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego: The market is a seller’s dream. With a median home price of $930,000, finding a single-family home under $800k is a hunt. Inventory is tight, bidding wars are common, and the barrier to entry is sky-high. Renting is the only option for many, but even that is punishing. You’re paying $2,248 for a 1BR apartment that would cost half that in the Midwest. It’s a market of scarcity and competition.
Bentonville: The market is hot, but it’s a buyer’s market compared to San Diego. With a median home price of $500,000, you can get a spacious, modern home with a yard. Inventory is growing as developers rush to meet demand, but it’s not yet at a fever pitch. Renting is incredibly affordable, making it a fantastic place to live while you save to buy. The barrier to entry is low, and you get a lot more square footage for your dollar.
Insight: In San Diego, you’re often buying a lifestyle—a small condo near the beach, for example. In Bentonville, you’re buying a house—a 3,000 sq ft home with a garage and a yard for the kids and the dog.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a major part of life. The I-5 and I-15 corridors are notorious for gridlock. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes each way for a 15-mile trip. It’s a big-city problem.
- Bentonville: Rush hour is a 10-minute delay. The city is built for cars (and bikes), and most commutes are under 20 minutes. The lack of traffic is a huge daily stress reliever.
Weather
- San Diego: The undisputed champion. The weather is the #1 reason people move here. Average highs in the 70s year-round, low humidity, and almost no snow. It’s what dreams are made of.
- Bentonville: Variable. Winters are cold (average low of 46°F, with occasional snow/ice). Summers are hot and humid (highs in the 90s with high humidity). You get four distinct seasons, which can be a pro or a con. It’s not the Mediterranean climate of San Diego.
Crime & Safety
- Bentonville (671.9 violent crimes/100k): This number looks scary, but context is key. Bentonville’s crime rate is elevated due to a specific, targeted issue (often property crime and some violent crime linked to its rapid growth and transient population). However, the city is generally considered safe, with low violent crime in residential areas. It’s a “be aware” situation, not a “don’t walk at night” one.
- San Diego (378.0 violent crimes/100k): Statistically, San Diego is safer than Bentonville. However, like any major metro, it has areas with higher crime rates. The overall feeling of safety is high in most neighborhoods, but it’s a bigger city with bigger-city problems.
Weather & Traffic Dealbreaker? If you can’t stand heat/humidity or cold winters, Bentonville is a dealbreaker. If you can’t handle traffic, San Diego is a dealbreaker.
5. The Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After digging into the data and the vibe, here’s the clear breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: Bentonville
Why: The math is undeniable. You can afford a large home in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with top-rated schools. The low cost of living means less financial stress, and the small-town community vibe is ideal for raising kids. You get more house, more yard, and more financial freedom.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
Why: While Bentonville is growing, San Diego offers a world-class social scene, endless networking opportunities in biotech and tech, and a dating pool that spans millions. The lifestyle—beaches, nightlife, culture—is unmatched for a young professional who wants to be in the center of the action. The higher salary potential in specific industries (biotech, defense) can offset the cost, if you’re in the right field.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Bentonville (with a caveat)
Why: The low cost of living, especially housing and taxes, makes retirement savings go much further. The community is welcoming, and the outdoor activities are accessible. However, if your retirement dream is year-round golf, beach walks, and a mild climate, San Diego is the winner, but you’ll need a much larger nest egg to afford it.
Final Pros & Cons
San Diego, CA
Pros:
- Unbeatable Weather: 70°F and sunny is the norm.
- World-Class Beaches & Parks: From La Jolla to Torrey Pines.
- Economic Powerhouse: Biotech, military, and tech jobs are abundant.
- Cultural & Culinary Scene: Incredible diversity and top-tier restaurants.
- Vibrant Social Scene: Endless things to do, see, and explore.
Cons:
- Sticker Shock: $930k median home is a financial mountain to climb.
- High Taxes: State income tax takes a significant bite out of your paycheck.
- Traffic: Commutes can be frustrating and time-consuming.
- Competitive Housing Market: Bidding wars and scarce inventory.
Bentonville, AR
Pros:
- Astounding Affordability: Your salary buys a lifestyle that’s out of reach in San Diego.
- 0% State Income Tax: More money stays in your pocket.
- Low Traffic & Commutes: Stress-free daily life.
- Rapidly Growing Amenities: World-class mountain biking, new restaurants, and a growing arts scene.
- Family-Friendly: Safe, community-oriented, with excellent schools.
Cons:
- Harsh Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- Smaller Scale: Limited cultural diversity and a smaller dating/friend pool.
- Growing Pains: Infrastructure and housing are scrambling to keep up with growth.
- Higher Crime Rate (Context-Dependent): Requires vigilance in certain areas.
The Bottom Line:
Choose San Diego if you’re chasing the ultimate coastal lifestyle and have the career or savings to support it. It’s a premium product with a premium price tag.
Choose Bentonville if you prioritize financial freedom, family life, and a high quality of life without the coastal premium. It’s the smart, strategic choice for building wealth and a home.
The question isn’t which is better—it’s which is better for you.