đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Ewa Gentry CDP and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Ewa Gentry 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 | Ewa Gentry CDP | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $131,755 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.2% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $768,200 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,038 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 143.7 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 106.9 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 29.6% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 25 |
AI Verdict: The Bottom Line
Both cities have a similar cost of living (within 5%).
You could earn significantly more in Ewa Gentry CDP (+25% median income).
Ewa Gentry CDP has a significantly lower violent crime rate (38% lower).
Analysis based on current data snapshot. Individual results may vary.
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Ewa Gentry CDP: The Ultimate Hawaii vs. California Showdown
Let's cut the fluff. You're debating between two radically different lifestyles: the sun-soaked, world-famous metropolis of San Diego and the quiet, suburban enclave of Ewa Gentry on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. This isn't just a geography lesson; it's a fundamental choice about how you want to live, spend your money, and spend your weekends.
As your relocation expert, I'm here to give you the straight talk, backed by cold, hard data. We'll pit these two against each other in a no-holds-barred showdown. Grab your coffee; let's dive in.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Diego is the quintessential Southern California dream. It’s a massive, diverse city (population 1.38 million) with a laid-back, beach-adjacent vibe that doesn't sacrifice urban amenities. Think world-class breweries, a thriving biotech scene, a historic Gaslamp Quarter, and tacos that will ruin you for life. It's fast-paced but not frantic like L.A.; active, outdoor-focused, and socially vibrant. It’s for the person who wants a major city's energy without the crushing density.
Ewa Gentry CDP is a master-planned community on the leeward side of Oahu. It's a Census-Designated Place, not a city—think a sprawling, clean, and orderly suburb. The vibe is "quiet and family-oriented." You're close to military bases (Ewa Beach is a huge Navy town), and life revolves around local shopping centers, parks, and the beach (it's got its own stretch of sand). The population is tiny (26,738), so it's intimate. It’s for the person who prioritizes safety, community, and a slower pace, all while being in paradise.
Who is it for?
- San Diego: The ambitious professional, the outdoor enthusiast, the foodie, the family that wants big-city schools and attractions.
- Ewa Gentry: The military family, the retiree seeking peace, the commuter who works on Oahu (or remotely), and the person who wants the Hawaiian lifestyle without the tourist chaos of Waikiki.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary Wars
This is where the rubber meets the road. A high salary means nothing if your cost of living eats it all. Let's break it down.
The Cost of Living Table
| Category | San Diego, CA | Ewa Gentry, HI | Winner (Bang for Buck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $105,780 | $131,755 | Ewa Gentry |
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $768,200 | Ewa Gentry |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $2,038 | Ewa Gentry |
| Housing Index | 185.8 | 143.7 | Ewa Gentry |
| Sales Tax | 7.75% - 8.75% | 4.0% - 4.5% | Ewa Gentry |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% - 13.3% (Progressive) | 1.4% - 11.0% (Progressive) | Ewa Gentry |
Salary Wars: Where Does Your $100k Go Farther?
Let's play with numbers. If you earn $100,000 in San Diego, after federal and state taxes (roughly ~$28k taken out), your take-home is around $72,000. Your rent is $2,248/month ($26,976/year), leaving you with $45,024 for everything else.
Now, in Ewa Gentry, with the same $100k salary, your state income tax is lower (Hawaii's top bracket starts higher). Let's estimate ~$25k in taxes. Take-home: $75,000. Rent is $2,038/month ($24,456/year), leaving you with $50,544.
The Verdict: Even with a lower median income, Ewa Gentry offers more purchasing power. The lower taxes and slightly cheaper housing (both rent and buy) mean your money stretches further. However, this ignores the "Hawaii Tax"—shipping goods to the islands inflates the cost of everything from cars to groceries by 10-30%. San Diego has high taxes, but you're on the mainland, with cheaper imports and more competition for goods.
Insight: San Diego’s high median income is a double-edged sword. It attracts high earners, which fuels competition and drives prices up. Ewa Gentry’s higher median income suggests a more affluent, stable population (often military officers or remote tech workers), but the island's isolation creates a high baseline cost for daily living.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Diego: The market is brutally competitive. A median home price of $930,000 with a Housing Index of 185.8 (where 100 is the national average) means you're paying 85% more than the U.S. norm for housing. It's a seller's market, often with all-cash offers and bidding wars. Renting is the only feasible option for many, but even that is expensive. You're paying for location, weather, and access to economic opportunity.
Ewa Gentry: The median home price is $768,200, and the Housing Index is 143.7. While still 44% above the national average, it's more accessible than San Diego. The market here is more stable, driven by military transfers and local families. You're less likely to face bidding wars, but inventory can be tight. Renting is slightly cheaper, and the community is built with long-term residents in mind.
Availability & Competition: San Diego is a high-stakes game. You need a strong agent and a hefty down payment. Ewa Gentry is a strategic move. It's less volatile, but you must be prepared for the unique challenges of island real estate (e.g., termite inspections, potential for hurricanes/monsoons).
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a daily reality. The I-5 and I-15 can be a nightmare at rush hour. Commute times can easily hit 45-60 minutes for a 15-mile distance. Public transit (trolley/bus) is decent but not comprehensive.
- Ewa Gentry: Traffic is localized. The main choke point is the H-1 Freeway into Honolulu. The commute to downtown can be 30-50 minutes, but traffic is often stop-and-go. Within Ewa, roads are wide and manageable. It's a car-dependent suburb.
Weather
- San Diego: "America's Finest City" for a reason. Average temps hover in the 70s°F year-round. Low humidity, minimal rain, and endless sunshine. It's a perfect 10/10 for weather lovers.
- Ewa Gentry: This is Hawaii. Expect 80-85°F with high humidity year-round. You'll get used to the "sticky" feeling. It's beautiful, but the humidity is a major factor for some. There's also the rainy season (Nov-Mar) and the rare hurricane threat.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Violent Crime Rate: 378.0 per 100k. While safer than many large U.S. cities, it's not crime-free. Certain neighborhoods require due diligence.
- Ewa Gentry: Violent Crime Rate: 234.0 per 100k. Statistically safer. The small, tight-knit community and lower population density contribute to a strong sense of security. It's one of the safer areas on Oahu.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins?
After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here are the clear winners for each demographic.
🏆 Winner for Families: Ewa Gentry CDP
Lower crime, better value on homes, and a community built for families. The schools are strong (especially in the Ewa Beach area), and the slow pace is ideal for raising kids. The trade-off? Fewer big-city cultural and educational attractions.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
The career opportunities are unmatched. The social scene, networking, and sheer variety of things to do (from nightlife to professional sports) make it the clear choice for growth-oriented young pros. The high cost is the price of admission.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Ewa Gentry CDP
For retirees not tied to a job, Ewa Gentry is paradise. Lower cost of living than San Diego, a peaceful environment, safety, and the Hawaiian "aloha spirit." San Diego is also great for retirees, but the pace and cost can be less appealing.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
San Diego
PROS:
- Unbeatable, perfect weather
- Massive job market (biotech, military, tech)
- World-class food, beer, and culture
- Direct flights to anywhere
- Vibrant, diverse communities
CONS:
- Staggeringly expensive housing
- High state income and sales taxes
- Significant traffic congestion
- Competitive, high-pressure housing market
Ewa Gentry CDP
PROS:
- Stronger purchasing power (higher income, lower taxes)
- Safer statistically
- Family-friendly, quiet, community feel
- Access to Hawaii's natural beauty (beaches, hikes)
- More affordable entry to homeownership
CONS:
- Island fever (everything imported, expensive)
- Limited job market (unless remote or military)
- High humidity year-round
- Geographic isolation (expensive travel)
- Fewer big-city amenities and attractions
The Bottom Line: Choose San Diego if your career, social life, and love for perfect weather are paramount, and you can stomach the cost. Choose Ewa Gentry if you value safety, community, and a slower pace, and you're prepared for the unique challenges (and rewards) of island life. There's no wrong answer—only what's right for your chapter of life.
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Ewa Gentry CDP to San Diego.