Cowles Mountain across Lake Murray in neighboring San Diego, near La Mesa; photographed March 15, 2009.

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La Mesa vs San Diego

Two California cities 7 miles apart, side by side.

La MesaSan Diego
Population60,8351,385,061
Median household income$84,337$104,321
Median home value$738,800$848,500
Median rent$1,958/mo$2,223/mo
Median age37.136
Homeownership46%48%
Property tax (effective)0.67%0.67%
Sales tax8.5%7.75%
Median home value
Median household income
Median rent

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Questions

Is La Mesa or San Diego cheaper?

For housing, La Mesa is cheaper: median home values are $738,800 in La Mesa and $848,500 in San Diego; median rents are $1,958 and $2,223.

Which has higher incomes, La Mesa or San Diego?

San Diego: median household income is $84,337 in La Mesa and $104,321 in San Diego.

How far is La Mesa from San Diego?

About 7 miles in a straight line.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; state revenue agencies for sales tax.

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