đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Everett and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Everett vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Everett | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $74,276 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $564,990 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $362 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,864 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.2% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Everett: The Ultimate West Coast Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sun-drenched, taco-fueled paradise of San Diego—a city that feels like a perpetual vacation. On the other, you have Everett, Washington: a gritty, blue-collar hub nestled in the Pacific Northwest, offering a starkly different pace of life and a much lower entry price.
Choosing between these two isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the laid-back California dream, or are you looking for a pragmatic, affordable base with easy access to the tech hubs of Seattle?
Let's break it down, head-to-head.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Diego is the definition of a laid-back beach town with big-city amenities. The culture here revolves around the outdoors—surfing, hiking, sailing, and a world-class zoo. It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Old Town to the upscale vibe of La Jolla. The energy is optimistic, health-conscious, and deeply tied to the ocean. It’s for the person who wants to clock out at 5 PM and be in the water by 5:15.
Everett is a working-class city with a tech-adjacent identity. It’s the home of Boeing’s largest factory, a major naval base, and it’s just 25 miles north of Seattle. The vibe is more pragmatic, industrial, and family-oriented. It’s a city of practicality—good schools, decent parks, and a community feel that’s less about glamour and more about grit. It’s for the person who values accessibility to a major metro (Seattle) without paying Seattle prices.
Who is it for?
- San Diego attracts young professionals, military families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize lifestyle over budget.
- Everett appeals to families, military personnel, Boeing employees, and budget-conscious tech workers who want Seattle’s job market without the sticker shock.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
Let’s be real: San Diego is expensive. Everett is more affordable, but salaries are lower. The key question is purchasing power. Where does your paycheck stretch further?
Here’s a side-by-side look at the core expenses:
| Category | San Diego | Everett | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $564,990 | 🏆 Everett |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,864 | 🏆 Everett |
| Housing Index | 185.8 (86% above nat'l avg) | 151.5 (52% above nat'l avg) | 🏆 Everett |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $74,276 | 🏆 San Diego |
| State Income Tax | High (1% - 13.3%) | Low (0%) | 🏆 Everett |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
On paper, San Diego’s median income is $31,504 higher than Everett’s. But does it feel like it? Absolutely not.
Let’s run the numbers. If you earn $100,000 in San Diego, after California’s high income tax and the brutal cost of housing, your disposable income for everything else (food, entertainment, savings) is squeezed tight. That $930,000 median home price is a mountain to climb.
Now, take that same $100,000 salary to Everett. Washington has no state income tax, giving you an immediate ~10% boost in take-home pay compared to California. More importantly, your housing costs are dramatically lower. A median home in Everett is $365,010 cheaper than in San Diego. Your $100k salary in Everett feels like $120,000 in San Diego when you factor in taxes and housing.
Verdict: While San Diego pays more on paper, Everett wins on pure purchasing power. Your dollar goes significantly further in Washington, especially for housing.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego’s Market: It’s a seller’s market of epic proportions. Inventory is chronically low, and competition is fierce. Bidding wars are common, and homes often sell for over asking price. Renting is also challenging, with prices consistently rising. The barrier to entry for homeownership is extremely high, often requiring a dual-income household or significant family help.
Everett’s Market: Also a seller’s market, but with a crucial difference: the entry point is accessible. The median home price of $564,990 is daunting but achievable for a middle-class family with a decent down payment. The rental market is competitive but more varied, with options from older apartments to newer complexes. For a first-time homebuyer, Everett is in a different universe of feasibility compared to San Diego.
The Bottom Line: If homeownership is a dream, Everett offers a realistic path. San Diego’s market is largely reserved for the already wealthy or those willing to stretch their finances to the limit.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is bad, especially on I-5 and I-805 during rush hour. The city is sprawling, and public transit (the Trolley) is limited. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Car dependency is high.
- Everett: Traffic exists, but it’s more manageable. The big plus is access to Seattle via I-5. If you work in Seattle (or remotely), living in Everett cuts your commute significantly compared to living south of the city. Public transit (buses, light rail to Seattle) is a viable option for many.
Weather
- San Diego: The famous “America’s Finest City” weather is no myth. An average high of 75°F year-round, low humidity, and minimal rain. It’s close to perfect if you hate snow and humidity. The low of 57°F is mild. The biggest downside? The infamous "May Gray" and "June Gloom" (coastal clouds) and the risk of Santa Ana winds (hot, dry, fire-prone).
- Everett: Classic Pacific Northwest. 48°F average high (that’s an annual average, not a winter low—winters are cool and damp, summers are pleasant). Expect rain, drizzle, and gray skies for a significant portion of the year. Snow is rare but possible. If you need consistent sunshine to function, Everett will wear on you. But if you love moody forests and crisp air, it’s a paradise.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest look. The numbers don’t lie.
- San Diego Violent Crime Rate: 378.0 per 100,000 people.
- Everett Violent Crime Rate: 567.0 per 100,000 people.
Everett has a violent crime rate nearly 50% higher than San Diego. While Everett is generally safe in its residential neighborhoods, it faces challenges common to many industrial cities, including property crime and issues in certain downtown areas. San Diego, while not crime-free, generally feels safer and has a lower statistical violent crime rate. This is a significant point for families and anyone prioritizing personal safety.
The Final Verdict
This isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Your choice depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and tolerance for gray skies or tight finances.
🏆 Winner for Families: Everett
- Why: The numbers are straightforward. The $564,990 median home price versus San Diego’s $930,000 is a game-changer. You can get a larger home with a yard for your family in Everett for a price that might only get you a small condo in San Diego. The schools are solid, and it offers a quieter, more community-focused environment. The higher crime rate is a concern, but it’s often concentrated in specific areas, and many suburbs are very safe.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
- Why: If you can swing the cost, San Diego offers an unparalleled quality of life for a young, active person. The social scene, outdoor activities, job diversity (biotech, military, tourism), and perfect weather create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Everett’s social scene is quieter and more family-oriented. For networking, nightlife, and a "live-work-play" vibe, San Diego is the clear choice—if you have the income to support it.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: San Diego (with a caveat)
- Why: The weather is the ultimate draw. Active retirees thrive in San Diego’s climate, with endless opportunities for golf, hiking, and social clubs. The healthcare system is top-tier. However, Everett is a strong contender for retirees on a fixed budget. Washington’s lack of state income tax and lower housing costs can make retirement savings last much longer. The gray weather, however, can be a dealbreaker for many seniors.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
San Diego
Pros:
- World-class weather
- Stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle
- Diverse economy (biotech, military, tourism)
- Lower violent crime rate
- Vibrant food scene and cultural amenities
Cons:
- Extremely high cost of living (housing is prohibitive)
- High state income tax
- Traffic congestion
- Competitive housing market
- Wildfire risk
Everett
Pros:
- Significantly more affordable housing
- No state income tax
- Proximity to Seattle’s job market
- Family-friendly communities
- Access to Pacific Northwest nature (mountains, forests)
Cons:
- Higher violent crime rate
- Gray, rainy weather for much of the year
- Smaller city feel, fewer amenities than a major metro
- Industrial and military presence can affect air quality
- Less diverse economy (heavily reliant on Boeing)
The Bottom Line: Choose San Diego if you prioritize lifestyle, weather, and can afford the premium. Choose Everett if you prioritize affordability, purchasing power, and proximity to Seattle’s opportunities, and you can handle the rain and higher crime stats.