📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Williston and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Williston vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Williston | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $84,309 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $345,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $837 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 106.9 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.1 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 315.5 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 25.7% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Williston: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown
So, you’re torn between the sun-drenched coast of San Diego and the rugged plains of Williston, North Dakota. It’s a classic clash of coasts and countrysides, a decision between a world-famous metropolis and a tight-knit boomtown. Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a lifestyle.
Let’s be real: this isn’t a fair fight on paper. One is a global destination, the other is an engine of American energy. But for the right person, each has a magnetic pull. Grab your coffee, and let's break down this head-to-head battle to see where you truly belong.
The Vibe Check: Laid-Back Coast vs. Gritty Boomtown
San Diego: The Eternal Summer
San Diego is the city that sells a dream, and frankly, it delivers. The vibe is "California Cool" dialed up to eleven. It’s a massive, diverse city (1.39 million people) where the beach, downtown, and desert all blend together. Life here revolves around the outdoors—surfing at La Jolla, hiking in Torrey Pines, or just enjoying a taco at a sunset-packed park. It’s culturally rich, with a world-class zoo, a thriving craft beer scene, and a military presence that adds structure and diversity. This is for the person who wants a vibrant urban experience without the frenetic pace of Los Angeles or San Francisco. You’re trading four distinct seasons for a perpetual 70°F (on average) and endless sunshine.
Williston: The Heartland Hustle
Williston is a different beast entirely. With a population of just 27,964, it’s a small town with a big-town economic engine, fueled by the Bakken oil fields. The vibe is unpretentious, hardworking, and deeply communal. There’s no pretense here; life is about work, family, and the vast, open sky. It’s the kind of place where you know your neighbors, the local diner knows your order, and community events are a big deal. This isn't a place for nightlife or cultural amenities on a metropolitan scale. It’s for the self-reliant individual who values simplicity, space, and a direct connection to the land and industry. The "weather" data is listed as N/A, which is telling—North Dakota winters are legendary for their severity, a stark contrast to San Diego’s mildness.
Who is it for?
- San Diego: The young professional, the active family, the retiree seeking an active, sunny lifestyle, and anyone who believes quality of life is measured in sunshine and ocean breezes.
- Williston: The ambitious worker in energy or trades, the family seeking affordability and space, the outdoorsman/woman who loves hunting and fishing, and the person looking to escape the high-cost, high-stress coastal life.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Million Bucks?
This is where the rubber meets the road. A high salary means nothing if it’s swallowed whole by your cost of living. Let’s talk about purchasing power—the real-world value of your paycheck.
The Sticker Shock
San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Williston is among the most affordable. The gap is staggering.
| Category | San Diego, CA | Williston, ND | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $345,000 | +$585,000 |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $837 | +$1,411 |
| Housing Index | 185.8 (vs. US Avg) | 106.9 (vs. US Avg) | +78.9 Points |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $84,309 | +$21,471 |
Sources: Data provided, Zillow, RentCafe, BestPlaces.net.
Salary Wars & The Tax Man
Let’s run a scenario. You earn $100,000 in both locations.
- In Williston, ND, your $100k feels like a fortune. North Dakota has a flat income tax of 2.5% (with deductions), and no state sales tax on groceries. Your biggest expense—housing—is a fraction of San Diego's. You could easily afford a 3-4 bedroom house on a single income and still have money for savings, a new truck, and family vacations.
- In San Diego, CA, your $100k is a different story. California has a progressive income tax that can reach 13.3% for high earners. For a $100k salary, you’re looking at a combined state and federal tax burden that can easily top 30%. After taxes, your take-home pay is significantly reduced, and then you’re hit with the nation’s highest gas prices and that $2,248 rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment. Your purchasing power is drastically diminished.
Verdict: For pure financial muscle and the ability to build wealth quickly, Williston wins in a landslide. San Diego requires a much higher income (likely $150k+ for a household) to achieve a comparable middle-class lifestyle.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?
San Diego: The Perpetual Seller’s Market
Buying a home in San Diego is a monumental financial undertaking. With a median price of $930,000, you’re looking at a $186,000 down payment (20%) just to avoid PMI. The market is fiercely competitive, often cash-offers and bidding wars. Renting is the default for many, but even that is a struggle with high costs and low vacancy. The "Housing Index" of 185.8 confirms it’s 85.8% more expensive than the national average. This is a market for high-income earners, dual-income families, or those with significant equity from a previous home sale.
Williston: The Affordable Entry Point
Williston is a breath of fresh air for aspiring homeowners. A median home price of $345,000 means a down payment of $69,000 is within reach for many savers. The market is more balanced, likely favoring buyers slightly more than San Diego's cutthroat environment. You can get significantly more house for your money—think a large family home with a yard for the price of a small condo in San Diego. The index of 106.9 is still above average but far more manageable. Renting is incredibly cheap, making it easy to save for a down payment.
Verdict: For anyone looking to buy a home without a massive financial burden, Williston is the clear winner. San Diego’s market is a high-stakes game reserved for the financially elite.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Realities
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a daily grind. Commutes on I-5, I-805, and CA-15 can be brutal, especially during rush hour. The average commute time is around 27 minutes, but it can easily double in bad conditions. You’re competing with 1.39 million people for road space.
- Williston: Traffic is virtually non-existent. A commute across town takes minutes. The trade-off? You’re often driving long distances for specialized shopping, entertainment, or medical care. The nearest major city (Fargo) is a 3-hour drive.
Weather: The Ultimate Divider
- San Diego: The weather is its #1 selling point. Average highs in the 70s year-round, low humidity, and minimal rain. It’s the definition of "perfect" for most people. There’s no snow, no brutal heat waves (though inland areas get hot), and no seasonal affective disorder.
- Williston: This is a non-negotiable dealbreaker for many. Winters are long, dark, and brutally cold, with temperatures regularly plunging well below 0°F and heavy snowfall. Summers can be hot and dry. The weather dictates your life—from your vehicle (you need a reliable 4WD) to your wardrobe and home maintenance.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Violent crime rate is 378.0 per 100k people. While this is higher than the national average, it’s lower than many other major U.S. cities (e.g., Chicago, Philadelphia). You need to be smart about neighborhoods, but overall, it’s a relatively safe major metro.
- Williston: Violent crime rate is 315.5 per 100k people. Surprisingly, this is lower than San Diego’s, though still above average for a small town. The small-town feel often translates to lower violent crime, but property crime can be a concern in any community with transient populations.
Verdict:
- Traffic: Williston (by a mile).
- Weather: San Diego (it’s not even close).
- Safety: Williston (narrowly, based on the data provided).
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?
This is where we get opinionated. The data paints a clear picture, but your personal priorities will make the final call.
Winner for Families: Williston. The math is undeniable. For the price of a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego, you can own a spacious home with a yard in Williston. The lower cost of living means one parent could potentially stay home, and the strong sense of community is ideal for raising kids. The trade-off is the harsh winters and limited cultural amenities.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Diego. If you’re career-focused in tech, biotech, or the military, San Diego’s job market is robust and diverse. The social scene, dating pool, and endless activities are perfect for a young, single life. Be prepared for high costs and competition. Williston offers incredible opportunity for those in energy, construction, and trades, but the social life is what you make of it.
Winner for Retirees: It Depends.
- San Diego wins for active retirees who want to golf, socialize, and enjoy a vibrant, climate-controlled environment year-round. It’s expensive, so you need a solid nest egg.
- Williston wins for budget-conscious retirees who want to stretch their savings, own their home outright, and don’t mind the cold. It’s peaceful and affordable, but healthcare access and amenities are more limited.
Bottom Line: The Pros & Cons
San Diego
- Pros: World-class weather, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture & food scene, diverse economy, strong job market for specific sectors.
- Cons: Extremely high cost of living, brutal housing market, significant state taxes, traffic congestion, competitive lifestyle.
Williston
- Pros: Extremely low cost of living, affordable housing, no traffic, strong community feel, high purchasing power, access to outdoor recreation (hunting/fishing).
- Cons: Harsh and long winters, limited cultural/entertainment options, remote location, economy heavily tied to oil prices, smaller job market outside of key industries.
The Final Call: Choose San Diego if you value lifestyle, climate, and amenities over budget, and have the income to support it. Choose Williston if you value financial freedom, space, and a simple, community-focused life, and can handle the extreme climate. It’s a choice between paying a premium for sunshine and paying a discount for the open plains.