📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Portsmouth and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Portsmouth vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Portsmouth | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $105,756 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $560 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,582 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 148.2 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.7 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 146.4 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 63.4% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 37 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Portsmouth: The Ultimate Coastal Showdown
You’re staring at two coastal gems, both promising a life of salty air and scenic horizons, but they couldn’t be more different. One is a sun-drenched, sprawling metropolis on the Pacific; the other is a historic, compact maritime hub on the Atlantic. Choosing between San Diego, California and Portsmouth, New Hampshire isn’t just about picking a city; it’s about picking a lifestyle, a climate, and a financial reality.
Let’s cut through the brochure talk and dive into the raw data and street-level vibes to see which city truly deserves your one-way ticket.
The Vibe Check: Sun-Kissed Metropolis vs. Historic Maritime Charm
San Diego is the definition of "laid-back Southern California." It’s a city of 1.3 million people where the pace is dictated by the tides, not the clock. Life revolves around the ocean—surfing in La Jolla, sunset strolls in Coronado, and fish tacos in Ocean Beach. It’s cosmopolitan yet casual, with a booming biotech and military economy. This is for the person who wants endless summer, diverse food scenes, and the energy of a major city without the frenetic pace of Los Angeles.
Portsmouth is a storybook town with a population of just 22,000. It feels like a living museum, with brick-lined streets, colonial architecture, and a bustling harbor. It’s the quintessential New England experience—think cozy pubs, fall foliage, and historic charm. It’s compact, walkable, and has a tight-knit community feel. This is for the person who values history, distinct seasons, and a slower, more intellectual pace of life. It’s a city where you know your barista and your neighbors.
Who is it for?
- San Diego: The sun-worshipper, the outdoor adventurer, the tech or biotech professional, the family seeking endless activities, and the retiree who wants year-round golf.
- Portsmouth: The history buff, the four-season enthusiast, the remote worker craving charm, the retiree who loves a walkable downtown, and the person who wants a slice of New England without the isolation of a rural town.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Really Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Both cities have shockingly similar median incomes—San Diego at $105,780 and Portsmouth at $105,756. But don't let those numbers fool you. The cost of living is a different story entirely, and it's the biggest factor in your purchasing power.
Here’s the hard data on your monthly expenses:
| Expense Category | San Diego, CA | Portsmouth, NH | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,582 | Portsmouth wins by a mile. You save $666/month just on rent. |
| Utilities | $230 | $215 | A near tie, but slightly cheaper in NH. |
| Groceries | $135 (Index) | $128 (Index) | Portsmouth is marginally cheaper for food. |
| Housing Index | 185.8 | 148.2 | Portsmouth is 20% more affordable overall. |
Salary Wars & The Tax Trap:
If you earn $100,000, your money goes significantly further in Portsmouth. But there's a massive elephant in the room: Taxes.
- San Diego (California): You get hit with a high state income tax (up to 13.3% for top earners). On a $100k salary, you could pay over $6,000 in state taxes alone. That’s a brutal hit to your take-home pay.
- Portsmouth (New Hampshire): No state income tax. No sales tax. Zip. Nada. The "Granite State" lives up to its name. Your paycheck stays more intact.
Insight: While San Diego's base costs are higher, the lack of a state income tax in New Hampshire is a game-changer. For a middle-to-high-income earner, the combination of lower housing costs and no state income tax means your $100,000 salary feels like $115,000 in Portsmouth compared to San Diego. The "sticker shock" in San Diego is real, and your dollar buys less.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego:
- Buying: The median home price is a staggering $930,000. This is a brutal market for first-time buyers. It’s a fierce seller’s market with bidding wars, all-cash offers, and inventory that flies off the shelf. Affordability is a major crisis here.
- Renting: The rental market is equally intense. With a high population and limited space, demand is relentless. The $2,248 rent for a 1BR is an average; desirable neighborhoods cost far more.
Portsmouth:
- Buying: The median home price is $875,000—only slightly less than San Diego, but the context is everything. In a city of 22,000 people, the market is small and constrained. It’s also a very competitive seller’s market, especially for historic homes or properties downtown. However, for that price, you're getting a piece of prime New England real estate.
- Renting: Rent is more accessible at $1,582, but inventory is extremely tight. It’s a small city with high demand, especially from professionals and retirees. Finding a place can be a challenge, but it's less financially crushing than in San Diego.
Verdict: Portsmouth offers a slightly better entry point for homeowners, but both are expensive. San Diego's market is on a different scale due to its size and global appeal. For renters, Portsmouth provides significant savings.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Car-centric. The commute can be a nightmare. The average commute time is 27 minutes, but crossing the I-5 or I-805 during rush hour can double that. Traffic is a daily reality and a major source of stress.
- Portsmouth: Extremely walkable and bikeable. The average commute is under 20 minutes. Most residents live and work within the city limits or a short drive. Traffic is minimal except during peak summer tourist season.
Winner: Portsmouth. The ease of getting around is a massive quality-of-life boost.
Weather
- San Diego: The famous "perfect weather." The data shows an average of 57.0°F, but that’s misleading. It’s a year-round temperate climate. Summers average in the 70s, winters in the 60s. Low humidity, minimal rain, and virtually no snow. It’s the reason people pay a premium.
- Portsmouth: True four-season living. The average of 49.0°F tells the story. Winters are cold and snowy (averaging 50+ inches of snow). Summers are warm and humid. Fall is stunning, and spring can be muddy. You must love seasons to thrive here.
Winner: San Diego. If you hate cold and snow, San Diego is the undisputed champion. Portsmouth offers beautiful autumns, but brutal winters.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Violent Crime Rate: 378.0 per 100,000. For a major U.S. city, this is actually on the lower side. Most crime is property-related. It’s generally safe, but like any big city, you need situational awareness in certain areas.
- Portsmouth: Violent Crime Rate: 146.4 per 100,000. This is remarkably low, reflecting the small, tight-knit nature of the community. It’s one of the safest cities in New England. Petty crime exists, but violent crime is rare.
Winner: Portsmouth. By a significant margin. The stats don't lie—Portsmouth is a much safer community.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?
This isn't about which city is "better," but which is the right fit for you. Here’s the breakdown.
Winner for Families: San Diego
Why: Endless family activities (zoo, safari park, beaches, parks), excellent school districts (in many suburbs), and year-round outdoor living. The diversity of cultures and foods is a huge plus for kids. The higher cost is a trade-off for the lifestyle and opportunities.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Portsmouth
Why: The combination of no state income tax, a lower cost of living (especially rent), and a high median income creates powerful financial stability early in your career. The walkable, charming downtown is fantastic for networking and social life. Boston is just an hour away for bigger-city amenities. It’s a unique, high-quality-of-life starter city.
Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Based on Priorities)
- Choose San Diego if: You want year-round warm weather, golf, and no income tax on Social Security (CA doesn't tax it). The healthcare system is top-tier, but costs are high.
- Choose Portsmouth if: You want a walkable, historic community, distinct seasons, and zero state income tax on any retirement income (pensions, 401k, etc.). The safety and charm are ideal, but you must be prepared for winter.
San Diego: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Unbeatable Weather: Year-round mild, sunny climate.
- Outdoor Paradise: Beaches, hiking, surfing, parks galore.
- Economic Powerhouse: Strong job market in tech, biotech, and military.
- Cultural Diversity: Incredible food, festivals, and communities.
- World-Class Attractions: Zoo, Safari Park, Balboa Park.
CONS
- Extreme Cost of Living: High rent, home prices, and overall expenses.
- California Taxes: High state income tax eats into your salary.
- Traffic Congestion: Car-dependent with frequent traffic jams.
- Housing Affordability Crisis: Exceptionally difficult market for buyers.
Portsmouth: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Financial Perks: No state income or sales tax.
- Safety & Community: Very low crime, tight-knit, walkable downtown.
- Lower Housing Costs: More affordable rent and slightly better home prices.
- Charm & History: Unique New England character and walkability.
- Four Seasons: Enjoy beautiful autumns and winters (if you like snow).
CONS
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and long (often into April).
- Limited Size & Diversity: Small city with fewer amenities and cultural options.
- Seasonal Tourism: Can be crowded and expensive in summer.
- Geographic Isolation: Far from major metro areas (except Boston).
The Bottom Line: If your priority is sun, space, and a vibrant big-city vibe and you can stomach the steep price tag, San Diego is your paradise. If your priority is financial savvy, safety, historic charm, and a walkable community and you don't mind cold winters, Portsmouth is a hidden gem. Run the numbers for your own salary, decide if you need winter coats or sunscreen, and choose accordingly.