📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Johns Creek and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Johns Creek vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Johns Creek | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $151,344 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $675,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $230 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,362 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 110.9 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 99.8 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 400.7 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 74.8% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Johns Creek: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re trying to decide between San Diego, California—the sun-soaked, beach-town-meets-metro hub—and Johns Creek, Georgia, the affluent, leafy suburb of Atlanta. This isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s a lifestyle choice. One is a global destination, the other is a high-end community. One will cost you a fortune, the other will cost you a commute.
I’ve crunched the numbers, smelled the ocean air, and sat in the Atlanta traffic. Here’s the real scoop on where you should plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Laid-Back Coast vs. Polished Suburb
San Diego is the definition of "chill." It’s a massive city (population 1.39 million) with a small-town soul. The culture revolves around the outdoors: surfing, hiking, and a craft beer scene that’s arguably the best in the nation. It’s diverse, progressive, and has a distinct military undercurrent (thanks to the Navy and Marines). The vibe is "work to live," not "live to work." You’re trading seasons for year-round perfection.
Johns Creek is a master-planned suburb in the Atlanta metro area. With a population of just 81,119, it’s a tight-knit community known for top-tier schools, manicured lawns, and safe streets. It’s where you go to raise a family in a quiet, family-oriented environment. The vibe is polished, professional, and decidedly suburban. You’re trading city energy for space, safety, and a sense of community.
Who is each city for?
- San Diego is for the outdoor enthusiast, the young professional who values lifestyle over savings, and anyone who wants to live where others vacation.
- Johns Creek is for families prioritizing education and safety, professionals who work remotely or commute to Atlanta, and those who want a high quality of life without the coastal price tag.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
Let’s talk cold, hard cash. The "sticker shock" in San Diego is real, but Johns Creek offers serious bang for your buck.
Here’s how the cost of living stacks up:
| Category | San Diego, CA | Johns Creek, GA | Winner (Bang for Buck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $675,000 | Johns Creek (by a mile) |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,362 | Johns Creek |
| Housing Index | 185.8 (85.8% above US avg) | 110.9 (10.9% above US avg) | Johns Creek |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $151,344 | Johns Creek |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
This is where it gets interesting. Let’s say you earn the median salary in each city.
- In Johns Creek, earning $151,344 with a median home price of $675,000 gives you a home-price-to-income ratio of about 4.5. That’s manageable.
- In San Diego, earning $105,780 with a median home price of $930,000 gives you a brutal ratio of 8.8. You’re spending nearly 9x your annual income on a home—something that’s financially straining for most.
The Tax Factor:
This is a massive, often overlooked dealbreaker.
- California (San Diego): High income tax (up to 13.3%), high sales tax (7.75% in SD), and notoriously high property taxes (though capped at 1% of purchase price plus bonds).
- Georgia (Johns Creek): Zero state income tax on wages (a huge win). Property taxes are higher as a percentage (around 1.1%), but the overall tax burden is significantly lower.
The Verdict: If you’re looking to stretch your dollar, Johns Creek is the undisputed winner. You earn more, pay less for housing, and keep more of your paycheck. San Diego is a luxury purchase; Johns Creek is a smart investment.
The Housing Market: To Buy or to Rent?
San Diego:
The market is red-hot and competitive. It’s a relentless seller’s market. Inventory is chronically low, and bidding wars are the norm. Renting is the default for many, but even renters face fierce competition and rising costs. If you buy, you’re paying a premium for the location and weather. It’s a long-term play on California real estate.
Johns Creek:
The market is competitive but more balanced. It’s a popular Atlanta suburb, so desirable homes still move quickly, but you have a fighting chance as a buyer without waiving every contingency. The median home price is more attainable, and you get more house for your money. Renting is a viable, more affordable option if you’re not ready to commit.
The Verdict: For buyers, Johns Creek offers a more accessible entry point. For renters, San Diego’s high costs make Johns Creek’s rental market look like a bargain.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference trumps data.
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is bad, but it’s more predictable than most major metros. I-5 and I-15 are parking lots during rush hour, but the city’s layout means you often have alternative routes. Commute times are manageable if you live near work.
- Johns Creek: This is a serious dealbreaker. Johns Creek is a suburb. While it’s close to major highways (GA 400), commuting into Atlanta (30-45 minutes) is a soul-crushing, traffic-heavy grind. If your job is in downtown Atlanta or the perimeter, you will spend a significant chunk of your life in your car. Working remotely? This issue vanishes.
Weather
- San Diego: The gold standard. The data says 57°F average, but that’s misleading. It’s more like 70°F year-round with low humidity and abundant sunshine. The "May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real, but it’s still paradise. No snow, no brutal heat.
- Johns Creek: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common). Winters are mild compared to the Northeast but can bring occasional ice storms. Spring and fall are gorgeous. If you love seasonal change, this is for you.
Crime & Safety
- Johns Creek: Safer. Violent crime rate is 400.7/100k, which is higher than the US average, but it’s a very safe, affluent suburb. Property crime exists, but you feel safe walking at night.
- San Diego: Violent crime rate is 378.0/100k. While slightly lower than Johns Creek, certain neighborhoods in San Diego have higher crime rates. As a whole, it’s safer than many big cities but not as uniformly safe as a wealthy suburb.
The Verdict: San Diego wins on weather and commute ease. Johns Creek wins on safety and space.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s my breakdown.
Winner for Families: Johns Creek
The Data Doesn’t Lie. You get more house for your money, access to some of Georgia’s best public schools, a safe environment, and a strong community feel. The zero state income tax is a huge financial boon for raising a family. While the commute is a con, if one parent works remotely or you work in the North Atlanta suburbs, it’s a home run.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
Lifestyle Over Ledger. If you’re single, young, and value experiences—beaches, nightlife, networking, and a vibrant social scene—San Diego is unbeatable. The high cost is the price of admission. You’re paying for the weather and the lifestyle. Johns Creek’s suburban quiet might feel isolating. In San Diego, you’re paying for the chance to have a beer at sunset after a surf session.
Winner for Retirees: Johns Creek
Financial Security & Peace. For retirees, San Diego’s high cost of living and taxes can drain a fixed income. Johns Creek offers a lower cost of living, no state income tax on retirement income (pensions, 401k), and a safe, quiet environment. The weather is a step down from San Diego, but the financial peace of mind is priceless.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
San Diego, CA
PROS:
- World-class weather year-round.
- Incredible outdoor lifestyle (beaches, hiking, parks).
- Vibrant food, craft beer, and cultural scene.
- Diverse, progressive community.
- Manageable traffic for a large city.
CONS:
- Extremely high cost of living.
- Brutal housing market (median home $930k).
- High state income tax.
- Competitive rental market.
- Can feel transient or expensive to maintain a social life.
Johns Creek, GA
PROS:
- Significantly lower cost of living and housing.
- Zero state income tax.
- Excellent public schools and family-friendly amenities.
- Safe, clean, and community-oriented.
- More space and larger homes for your budget.
CONS:
- Grueling commute to Atlanta (if applicable).
- Hot, humid summers.
- Less diverse and dynamic than a major city.
- Can feel "suburban-sprawl" homogeneous.
- Fewer big-city cultural amenities.
The Bottom Line:
If your wallet can handle the hit and you crave a lifestyle defined by sun and surf, San Diego is worth every penny. If you want financial stability, space for your family, and a safe, high-quality community without the coastal price tag, Johns Creek is the smarter, more sustainable choice. Choose your priority: Lifestyle (San Diego) or Livability (Johns Creek).