đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Westerly CDP and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Westerly CDP vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Westerly CDP | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $82,333 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $400,200 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,362 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 159.5 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 38% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Westerly CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sun-drenched, world-famous metropolis of San Diego, California. On the other, the quiet, coastal charm of Westerly, a Census Designated Place (CDP) in Rhode Island. This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two vastly different lifestyles, price tags, and futures.
As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and am here to give you the unfiltered truth. Forget the glossy brochures. Let’s get down to brass tacks and figure out where you truly belong.
The Vibe Check: Metro Muscle vs. Coastal Charm
San Diego is the cool, confident big sibling. It’s a bustling, diverse city of nearly 1.4 million people where the pace is fast but still feels manageable. The culture is a laid-back blend of military discipline, biotech innovation, and pure surf-town soul. Think craft breweries, world-class tacos, and a tech scene that’s second to none. It’s for the go-getter who wants big-city amenities—pro sports, major concerts, a top-tier airport—and still wants to hit the beach after work. It’s for the outdoor enthusiast who sees a mountain hike, a surf session, and a desert sunset as a normal weekend.
Westerly CDP, on the other hand, is the quintessential New England coastal town. With a population of just 18,528, it’s intimate, historic, and deeply connected to the ocean. The vibe is quieter, more seasonal, and rooted in community. It’s the place where you know your neighbors, stroll through a charming downtown, and enjoy the dramatic beauty of the Atlantic coastline without the crowds. It’s for the soul seeking peace, a strong sense of place, and a break from the relentless hustle. It’s for the retiree, the remote worker craving serenity, or someone ready to trade a sprawling metro for a tight-knit community.
Who is each city for?
- San Diego: The ambitious professional, the young family with active kids, the career-driven couple, and anyone who puts "sunny and 70" at the top of their wish list.
- Westerly CDP: The retiree, the remote worker, the artist seeking inspiration, the family valuing a slower pace and tight community over endless entertainment options.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Money Works Harder
Let’s talk real numbers. The "sticker shock" is real in San Diego, but the income potential is higher. The question is, where does your paycheck actually stretch further?
Purchasing Power & Salary Wars
If you earn a $100,000 salary, here’s the raw math.
In San Diego, with a median income of $105,780, you’re right at the city average. But after California’s high income tax (which can reach 13.3% for top earners), you’ll take home significantly less. Your $100k salary could feel more like $75k after taxes, state taxes, and FICA. The high cost of living, especially housing, means that $75k goes fast. You’re competing against a high-earning population, and the cost of goods, services, and especially rent reflects that.
In Westerly, the median income is lower at $82,333. However, Rhode Island’s income tax is progressive but notably lower than California’s, maxing out at 5.99%. There’s no sales tax on clothing or food, which helps. Your $100k salary in Westerly—while above the local median—will have more purchasing power. You’re earning more than the typical local, and the costs are substantially lower. You’ll feel like a bigger fish in a smaller, more affordable pond.
The Verdict: For pure purchasing power, Westerly wins. Your dollar stretches further here. However, San Diego offers a higher ceiling for career advancement and salary growth, especially in tech and biotech, which can offset the higher costs in the long run.
Cost of Living Breakdown: San Diego vs. Westerly
| Category | San Diego, CA | Westerly CDP, RI | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $400,200 | Sticker Shock Alert: San Diego is 132% more expensive. This is the biggest financial divide. |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,362 | Rent Reality: San Diego rent is 65% higher. That’s an extra $886 per month. |
| Housing Index | 185.8 | 98.9 | Index Insight: A score of 100 is the national average. San Diego is 85.8% above average; Westerly is near the national norm. |
| Utilities | ~$250-350 | ~$200-300 | Climate Cost: SD’s mild weather means less heating/cooling, but higher electricity rates. Westerly has higher heating costs in winter. |
| Groceries | ~20% above avg | ~5% above avg | Grocery Gap: SD’s prices reflect its metro status and import costs. Westerly is closer to the national average. |
| Transportation | High (Car is essential) | Lower (Walkable downtown, but car needed for region) | Commute Cost: Both require a car, but SD’s traffic burns more gas and time. |
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego: The Seller’s Fortress
The San Diego housing market is notoriously competitive. With a median home price of $930,000, it’s one of the most expensive markets in the U.S. It is a seller’s market, with low inventory and high demand driving bidding wars. For a median income earner ($105,780), a $930,000 home is mathematically out of reach without a significant down payment or dual high incomes. Renting is the default for many, but even that is a financial squeeze. The dream of homeownership here often starts with a condo or a move to a more inland, less desirable area.
Westerly: The Accessible Market
Westerly presents a stark contrast. The median home price is $400,200, making homeownership a tangible goal for a middle-class family or a professional with a solid savings plan. The market is more balanced—likely a buyer’s market or a neutral one. You get more house for your money, and the path to ownership is far less treacherous. Renting is also significantly more affordable, offering a lower barrier to entry for those new to the area.
The Verdict: If you dream of owning a home without a trust fund, Westerly is the clear winner. San Diego’s housing market is for those with deep pockets or a willingness to compromise severely on space and location.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
San Diego: This is a car-dependent city. While public transit exists, it’s not comprehensive. The average commute is 28 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour or more during peak times on major arteries like I-5 or I-15. Traffic is a daily reality and a major source of stress. San Diego Loses.
Westerly: As a small CDP, traffic inside town is minimal. You can walk downtown or take a short drive. However, to access larger cities like Providence or Mystic, CT, you’ll be on the road for 30-60 minutes. Trips to Boston or NYC are multi-hour affairs. Westerly Wins.
Weather
San Diego: The weather is legendary. 57°F is the annual average, meaning year-round mildness. Summers are dry and sunny (avg high 78°F), winters are cool and occasionally rainy. It’s a goldilocks climate for most. San Diego Wins.
Westerly: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (avg low 27°F), springs are muddy, summers are warm and humid (avg high 80°F), and falls are stunningly beautiful. You get the full seasonal cycle, which can be a pro or a con. Westerly Loses for those who hate winter.
Crime & Safety
San Diego: The violent crime rate is 378.0 per 100,000. This is high—roughly 1.5 times the national average. While many neighborhoods are very safe, crime is a real concern and varies dramatically by zip code. You must be vigilant. San Diego Loses.
Westerly: The violent crime rate is 159.5 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than both San Diego and the national average. Small-town safety is a tangible benefit here. Westerly Wins.
The Verdict: Which City is Right for YOU?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s my final, opinionated take.
- Winner for Families: San Diego. The sheer volume of family-friendly activities, school options (though quality varies), parks, and the year-round outdoor lifestyle is unbeatable. The higher cost and traffic are the trade-offs for an enriching environment for kids.
- Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Diego. The career opportunities, social scene, diversity, and energy of a major city are what young professionals often crave. The networking potential and cultural amenities are in a different league.
- Winner for Retirees: Westerly CDP. The lower cost of living, safety, walkable downtown, and peaceful, scenic environment are tailor-made for retirement. The seasonal change is a feature, not a bug, for many retirees.
Final Pros & Cons
San Diego: The High-Stakes Paradise
Pros:
- World-Class Weather: The best in the country for consistent mildness.
- Economic Powerhouse: Robust job market in biotech, tech, military, and tourism.
- Unbeatable Outdoor Access: Beaches, mountains, and deserts within a 90-minute drive.
- Cultural & Culinary Scene: Diverse, vibrant, and endless options for food and entertainment.
- International Airport: Easy access to the world.
Cons:
- Extreme Cost of Living: Housing, rent, and general expenses are through the roof.
- Traffic & Congestion: A daily grind that wears on you.
- High Taxes: California’s state income tax hits hard.
- Competitive Housing Market: The dream of homeownership is out of reach for many.
- Higher Crime Rates: Requires more caution and research on neighborhoods.
Westerly CDP: The Affordable Haven
Pros:
- Drastically Lower Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, especially for housing.
- Tangible Safety & Community: Low crime and a strong, tight-knit feel.
- Charming & Scenic: Quaint downtown, beautiful Atlantic coastline, and New England charm.
- Four Seasons: Enjoy the full cycle, including gorgeous autumns.
- Accessible Homeownership: A median home price within the realm of possibility for average earners.
Cons:
- Limited Job Market: Fewer local opportunities; likely requires a remote job or a commute.
- Isolation: Far from major metropolitan hubs (Providence, Boston, NYC).
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and long winters are a reality.
- Fewer Amenities: Limited shopping, dining, and entertainment options compared to a city.
- Seasonal Economy: Tourism can drive the local economy, which may be less stable.
The Bottom Line:
Choose San Diego if you prioritize lifestyle, career growth, and a world-class climate above all else, and you have the financial means (or a high-demand career) to support it. It's an investment in an experience.
Choose Westerly CDP if you prioritize financial freedom, safety, community, and a peaceful pace of life. It's a strategic move for stability, quality of life, and making your money work for you, not against you.
This isn't a right or wrong answer—it's about what you're willing to pay for, in dollars and in life. Good luck.