San Diego rules
How taxes hit a San Diego paycheck in 2026
San Diego is in California, one of the highest-tax states in the country. Your pay stub carries the federal taxes plus two California items: the progressive state income tax (1%–13.3%) and State Disability Insurance. Importantly, San Diego itself does not levy a separate city income tax.
California state income tax: 1% to 13.3%
The California Franchise Tax Board runs nine progressive brackets. Only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that rate; the top 13.3% rate applies above $1 million. San Diego residents pay exactly the same state schedule as the rest of California.
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
California funds short-term disability and paid family leave through a payroll deduction. As of 2024 the wage cap was removed, so the 1.2% (2026) SDI rate applies to all of your wages. The calculator folds SDI into the "CA state tax + SDI" line.
The San Diego cost of living
San Diego's cost of living runs well above the national average, with housing the largest factor. Salaries are strong in biotech and defense, but California income tax plus high rents mean your take-home pay does the heavy lifting in any budget here.
Compare San Diego with other places
Compare your salary in Los Angeles, no-tax Dallas or Phoenix, or the statewide California page.
Questions
San Diego salary calculator FAQ
Does San Diego have a city income tax?
No. San Diego does not levy a city income tax. Your paycheck is reduced by federal income tax, FICA, California state income tax (1% to 13.3%) and California State Disability Insurance (SDI) of 1.2% — but there is no separate San Diego city income tax.
How much is taken out of a paycheck in San Diego?
A San Diego paycheck is reduced by federal income tax, 6.2% Social Security, 1.45% Medicare, California state income tax and 1.2% SDI. On a $82,000 single salary, total deductions are roughly 26% to 30%.
Does San Diego have a separate city income tax?
No. San Diego does not impose a city income tax. Residents pay California state income tax and SDI; there is no additional San Diego city income tax on wages.
What is the take-home pay on $100,000 in San Diego?
A single filer earning $100,000 in San Diego takes home roughly $70,000 to $72,000 a year after federal tax, FICA, California state income tax and SDI. Use the calculator above for your exact figure.
- Sources: California Franchise Tax Board (2026 brackets) · CA EDD (2026 SDI rate) · City of San Diego (no local income tax) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA wage base.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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