Category / Metric	Great Falls	San Diego
Financial Overview
Median Income	$63,934	$105,780
Unemployment Rate	3.3%	4.9%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$299,000	$930,000
Price per SqFt	$163	$662
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$745	$2,248
Housing Cost Index	100.0	185.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	103.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	469.8	378.0
Bachelor's Degree+	28.3%	52%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	25

San Diego vs. Great Falls: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re choosing between two worlds. San Diego is the golden child of the Pacific Coast—think endless sunshine, a killer taco scene, and surfboards on every other car. Great Falls is the rugged, unpretentious heart of Montana—where the sky is huge, the community is tight-knit, and you can see the Northern Lights from your backyard.

This isn’t just about geography; it’s a lifestyle fork in the road. Are you trading a fast-paced metro for wide-open spaces, or are you seeking the coastal dream and willing to pay the price? I’ve crunched the numbers, lived the vibe, and I’m here to give you the straight talk. Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Diego is a city of micro-climates and micro-breweries. The vibe is "laid-back but ambitious." It’s a tech and biotech hub with a military backbone, wrapped in a beach-town package. You’ll find world-class universities, a vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like North Park and the Gaslamp, and a food scene that rivals any major metro. The culture revolves around the outdoors—hiking Torrey Pines, surfing at La Jolla, or biking the waterfront. It’s diverse, dynamic, and undeniably expensive.

Great Falls is the definition of "Big Sky Country." Life moves at a different pace here. The culture is rooted in community, outdoor recreation, and a deep sense of independence. You’re not battling traffic; you’re heading to the Missouri River for a fishing trip after work. The city is a gateway to Glacier National Park and a hub for agriculture, aviation, and the military (Malmstrom Air Force Base). It’s quiet, authentic, and for those who find peace in open space and starry nights.

Who is each city for?

San Diego is for the career-driven professional who wants to “have it all”—a dynamic job market and an unbeatable climate for weekend adventures. It’s for the foodie, the surfer, and the urban explorer.
Great Falls is for the outdoor enthusiast, the remote worker seeking a lower cost of living, and anyone who wants a true four-season climate without the crushing crowds. It’s for families who value community and space over city lights.

Verdict: This is a classic Coastal Cool vs. Rugged Charm showdown. If you need a city pulse, San Diego wins. If your soul craves wide-open spaces, Great Falls is your haven.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. The "sticker shock" in San Diego is real, but Great Falls offers insane purchasing power. Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Table (Data Snapshot)

Metric	San Diego	Great Falls	The Gap
Median Home Price	$930,000	$299,000	San Diego is 311% more expensive
Rent (1BR)	$2,248	$745	San Diego is 302% more expensive
Housing Index	185.8	100.0	San Diego housing is 86% above national avg
Median Income	$105,780	$63,934	San Diego earners make 65% more
Violent Crime (per 100k)	378.0	469.8	Great Falls has a 24% higher rate

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s play out a scenario: You earn a $100,000 salary.

In San Diego: You’re making slightly above the city’s median. After California’s high state income tax (up to 13.3%), your take-home pay takes a significant hit. That $100k feels like ~$73,000 after federal and state taxes. Your biggest expense is housing, where you’ll be renting a modest 1BR for $2,248/month (over 27% of your gross income). Groceries and utilities are roughly 15-20% higher than the national average. You’ll have a comfortable life, but building wealth through homeownership is a monumental challenge.
In Great Falls: Your $100k salary (which is 56% above the local median) feels like financial freedom. Montana has a progressive income tax, but it tops out at 6.75%. Your take-home is much healthier. That $2,248 San Diego rent? It’s now $745 in Great Falls—a saving of over $1,500/month. Your mortgage payment on a $300k home would be a fraction of San Diego’s rent. Groceries and utilities are closer to the national average. In Great Falls, a six-figure salary makes you a top earner with serious purchasing power.

Insight: San Diego offers higher salaries, but the cost of living, especially housing, eats away at that advantage. Great Falls offers lower salaries but a dramatically lower cost base, meaning your money goes much, much further. If you’re working remotely or can secure a San Diego-level salary in Montana, you’re in a financial sweet spot.

Verdict: For raw purchasing power, Great Falls wins decisively. San Diego requires a much higher income to maintain a similar standard of living.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Diego’s Market: It’s a relentless seller’s market. With a median home price of $930,000, homeownership is out of reach for many. The competition is fierce, often involving all-cash offers, waived inspections, and bidding wars. Renting is the reality for a huge segment of the population, with prices climbing steadily. The housing index of 185.8 screams "expensive." You’re paying for location, climate, and demand.

Great Falls’ Market: This is a more balanced market, leaning towards buyer-friendly. At a median home price of $299,000, you’re looking at a realistic path to ownership. The inventory is lower than in bigger metros, but you won’t face the same cutthroat competition. You can actually find a single-family home with a yard without needing a $200k down payment. Renting is also exceptionally affordable, making it a great option for newcomers or those saving to buy.

Availability: San Diego has a severe housing shortage, driving prices up. Great Falls has a smaller inventory but meets local demand more effectively, keeping prices stable and relatively affordable.

Verdict: If buying a home is a primary goal, Great Falls is the clear winner. San Diego’s market is for the wealthy or the perpetually renting.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Diego: Traffic is a major part of life. The I-5, I-805, and SR-163 can be parking lots during rush hour. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Public transit (trolley/bus) exists but is limited in reach. Car ownership is non-negotiable.
Great Falls: The word "traffic" is relative. You might hit a slight slowdown near the Central Ave. mall during holiday shopping, but you’re rarely sitting in gridlock. Commutes are short and predictable. You can get across town in under 15 minutes.

Weather

San Diego: The headline is “Mediterranean climate”—mild, sunny, and dry year-round. Average highs hover in the 60s-70s°F, with minimal rain. It’s not perfect (June Gloom is a real thing), but it’s the envy of the nation. No snow, no humidity, no extreme heat.
Great Falls: True four-season living. Winters are cold and snowy (expect -10°F and blizzards). Spring and fall are beautiful but brief. Summers are warm and dry, with highs in the 80s-90s°F. You get dramatic seasonal changes, which is a pro for some and a con for others.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, often misunderstood data point. The Violent Crime Rate (per 100k) is:

San Diego: 378.0
Great Falls: 469.8

On paper, Great Falls has a higher rate. However, context is key. Great Falls’ rate can be influenced by its smaller population size (a few incidents skew the rate higher). San Diego, being a massive metro, has more total incidents. Generally, San Diego’s crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while Great Falls feels safer in daily life but has a higher per-capita rate. Always research specific neighborhoods.

Verdict: For commute & traffic, Great Falls wins. For weather consistency, San Diego wins. For safety, it’s a statistical tie with nuance—your personal comfort level in each city’s specific areas will matter most.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart (& Wallet)?

This isn’t about declaring one city universally “better.” It’s about which city is better for you. Based on the data and the lifestyle profiles, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Great Falls

Why: The financial math is unbeatable. A median home price of $299,000 vs. $930,000 is a game-changer for building generational wealth. The short commutes mean more family time. While the school districts vary, the community vibe is strong. You get space, safety (in a relative sense), and a childhood centered on outdoor adventures. The trade-off is a colder climate and fewer urban amenities.

Winner for Singles & Young Pros: San Diego

Why: The career opportunities in tech, biotech, and military contracting are far more diverse and lucrative. The social scene, restaurants, and cultural events are on a completely different level. The weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round. Yes, it’s expensive, but for network building and career acceleration, San Diego offers a platform that Great Falls can’t match.

Winner for Retirees: Great Falls

Why: If you’re on a fixed income, Great Falls is a financial safe harbor. The cost of living allows pensions and Social Security to stretch dramatically. The peace, quiet, and access to world-class fishing, hunting, and hiking are huge draws. The community is welcoming to newcomers. For retirees who don’t mind the cold and want their money to last, Great Falls is a no-brainer.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

San Diego: Pros & Cons

PROS:

Unbeatable Weather: Year-round mild climate.
Economic Powerhouse: Strong job market across multiple sectors.
World-Class Amenities: Food, culture, nightlife, and education.
Outdoor Paradise: Beaches, mountains, and deserts within an hour.

CONS:

Crippling Cost of Living: Especially housing.
High Taxes: State income tax takes a big bite.
Traffic Congestion: Daily commutes can be draining.
Competitive Housing Market: Nearly impossible to buy for the average earner.

Great Falls: Pros & Cons