📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Kenosha and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Kenosha vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Kenosha | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $68,885 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $250,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,071 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 107.5 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.6 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 323.9 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.1% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Kenosha: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between San Diego and Kenosha isn't just picking a city; it's choosing two entirely different lifestyles. On one side, you have the sun-drenched, coastal metropolis where the vibe is "chill" and the cost is real. On the other, a historic, lakeside Midwestern town offering a quiet, affordable life far from the frenetic pace of the coasts.
As your relocation expert, I'm here to cut through the noise and give you the straight talk. We'll use cold, hard data, but we'll also talk about the feel—the intangibles that make a place feel like home. Let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Pacific Coast vs. Great Lakes Charm
San Diego is the poster child for Southern California living. It’s a massive, diverse metropolis (population 1.38 million) that blends urban energy with a laid-back beach town feel. The culture revolves around the outdoors: surfing, hiking, and a thriving craft beer scene. It’s a global city with a major military presence, a booming biotech industry, and a world-class zoo. The vibe is progressive, active, and expensive. It’s for the person who craves endless sunshine, wants access to top-tier amenities, and is willing to pay a premium for the SoCal dream.
Kenosha is a classic American town with a population of just 98,210. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it has a rich history as a manufacturing hub and retains a strong, community-focused feel. The vibe is quieter, more traditional, and family-oriented. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, enjoy lake breezes in the summer, and experience distinct, snowy winters. It’s for the person who values affordability, space, and a slower pace of life, and who doesn’t mind trading ocean views for Great Lake sunsets and a hardy winter.
Who is it for?
- San Diego: The young professional, the active retiree, the family that wants year-round outdoor activities, and anyone who prioritizes climate above all else.
- Kenosha: The budget-conscious family, the remote worker seeking a low cost of living, the retiree looking to stretch their savings, and the Midwesterner at heart.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
Let’s talk money, because this is where the two cities diverge most drastically.
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
San Diego’s median income is $105,780, which is fantastic on paper. Kenosha’s is $68,885. But salary is only half the story; the real question is purchasing power. Where does your dollar stretch further?
In San Diego, that median income is immediately challenged by staggering housing costs. In Kenosha, a lower income goes incredibly far. To have a similar quality of life, you’d need to earn significantly more in San Diego. Financial advisors often suggest you need to make about 1.5x to 2x your current salary to maintain a comparable lifestyle when moving from a place like Kenosha to a coastal hub like San Diego.
Table: Cost of Living Snapshot
| Category | San Diego | Kenosha | Winner (Affordability) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $250,000 | Kenosha |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,071 | Kenosha |
| Housing Index | 185.8 | 107.5 | Kenosha |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $68,885 | San Diego (on paper) |
The Tax Factor
California has some of the highest state income taxes in the country, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. Wisconsin’s income tax is more moderate, with a top rate of 7.65%. This tax bite in California further erodes the purchasing power of that higher San Diego salary. The "sunshine tax" is very real, and it hits your paycheck.
Verdict: Kenosha is the undeniable champion for pure dollar power. You can own a home, build equity, and live comfortably on a middle-class income in a way that’s nearly impossible for the average earner in San Diego.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego: The Seller’s Market
Buying in San Diego is a fierce, high-stakes game. With a median home price of $930,000, the barrier to entry is immense. The market is perpetually competitive, often pushing buyers to waive inspections or pay well over asking price. Renting is the default for many, but even that is punishing, with a median 1-bedroom rent of $2,248. The housing index of 185.8 (where the national average is 100) confirms you’re paying a premium. Availability is tight, and competition is fierce.
Kenosha: The Buyer’s Market
Kenosha offers a breath of fresh air for aspiring homeowners. A median home price of $250,000 is within reach for many dual-income households. The market is far less frenetic, giving buyers more time to find the right property without intense bidding wars. Renting is also a viable, affordable option at $1,071 for a 1-bedroom. The housing index of 107.5 is only slightly above the national average, signaling a balanced, stable market.
Verdict: Kenosha wins decisively for anyone looking to buy a home. For renters, it also offers significant savings, though the rental stock may be more limited than in a major metro.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a fact of life. The I-5 corridor is notoriously congested, and commutes can easily stretch to 45-60 minutes or more for a relatively short distance. Public transit exists but is not as comprehensive as in cities like NYC or Chicago.
- Kenosha: Traffic is minimal. Your commute is likely to be a breeze, often under 20 minutes. This is a major quality-of-life upgrade, giving you back hours of your week. Kenosha also benefits from its proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago (about 1 hour and 1.5 hours, respectively), offering access to big-city amenities without the daily grind.
Weather: The Ultimate Divider
- San Diego: Boasts a near-perfect Mediterranean climate. The average high is around 70°F year-round. It’s dry, sunny, and comfortable. The "cool" months still see plenty of sun. This is a massive draw and a key reason for the high cost of living.
- Kenosha: Experiences a true four-season climate. Summers are beautiful, with lake breezes keeping highs in the 70s-80s. But winters are harsh: cold (18°F average in Jan), snowy, and gray. Fall and spring are lovely but brief. This is a dealbreaker for those who hate cold and snow.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Has a violent crime rate of 378.0 incidents per 100,000 people. This is higher than the national average but is typical for a large, dense city. Safety can vary dramatically by neighborhood.
- Kenosha: Has a violent crime rate of 323.9 per 100,000 people. It’s slightly lower than San Diego’s, which is surprising given the national narrative. However, as with any city, it’s crucial to research specific neighborhoods. Generally, Kenosha feels very safe, especially in its suburban areas.
Verdict: San Diego wins on weather and commute infrastructure (if you can avoid peak times). Kenosha wins on daily commute ease and, surprisingly, on a slightly lower violent crime rate. Weather is the ultimate personal choice.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After breaking down the data and the daily realities, here’s the clear-eyed recommendation.
Winner for Families: Kenosha. The combination of affordable homeownership, excellent public schools (often a focus in smaller communities), a safe environment, and a slower pace of life is ideal for raising kids. The budget for family activities and saving for college is vastly more manageable.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego. If you’re in tech, biotech, the military, or a creative field, the job market and networking opportunities are superior. The social scene, outdoor activities, and endless sunshine are a major draw for this demographic, even with the high cost.
Winner for Retirees: It depends on your priorities. San Diego is the winner for active retirees who want a year-round outdoor lifestyle and don’t mind the high cost. Kenosha is the champion for retirees on a fixed budget who want to stretch their savings, enjoy the peace and quiet, and don’t mind the winter.
San Diego: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- World-Class Climate: Year-round sunshine and moderate temperatures.
- Outdoor Paradise: Beaches, hiking, parks, and outdoor culture.
- Robust Job Market: Strong in biotech, tech, military, and tourism.
- Diverse & Vibrant Culture: Excellent food, arts, and entertainment options.
- Stunning Scenery: From coastal cliffs to desert landscapes.
CONS:
- Extreme Cost of Living: One of the most expensive cities in the U.S.
- Sticker Shock: Housing, rent, and daily expenses are brutally high.
- Traffic Congestion: Significant commute times are common.
- State Taxes: High income and sales taxes eat into your paycheck.
- Competitive Housing Market: Extremely difficult to buy a home.
Kenosha: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Affordability: Meaningful home ownership is achievable on a median income.
- Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes significantly further here.
- Easy Commute & Less Traffic: More time for you and your family.
- Lake Michigan Access: Beautiful beaches, parks, and waterfront in summer.
- Community Feel: A true sense of place and neighborliness.
CONS:
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snow, and gray skies for several months.
- Limited Job Market: Fewer major corporate headquarters or specialized industries.
- Fewer "Big City" Amenities: Less diverse dining, arts, and international travel options.
- Less Dynamic Social Scene: Quieter nightlife and a smaller dating pool.
- Proximity to Chicago/Milwaukee is a Double-Edged Sword: Easy access, but also means you’re not the primary economic hub.
The Bottom Line: This isn’t a choice of a good city versus a bad one—it’s a choice of two different worlds. San Diego offers a premium, sun-soaked lifestyle at a premium price. Kenosha offers a grounded, affordable, and peaceful life with a different set of seasonal charms. Your decision should hinge on one critical question: Is the San Diego lifestyle worth the financial sacrifice? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. For many others, Kenosha’s balance of comfort and cost is the smarter, happier choice.