City of San Diego vs. San Diego County: the difference that trips people up
The City of San Diego is one of 18 cities in San Diego County. The city has about 1.39 million people; the county has 3.3 million. Your address decides your sales tax, minimum wage and who picks up your trash.
- Cities in the county
- 18
- City population
- 1.39M
- County population
- 3.30M
Plus unincorporated areas
2020 census
2020 census
The short version
- San Diego County has 18 incorporated cities; the City of San Diego is the largest of them.
- The 2020 census counted 3,298,634 people in the county and 1,386,932 in the City of San Diego — about 42%.
- Sales tax depends on the city: 7.75% in the City of San Diego, 8.75% in Chula Vista, National City, Escondido and Del Mar.
- The City of San Diego's $17.75 minimum wage applies only inside city limits; the state's $16.90 applies elsewhere unless a city sets its own.
- Unincorporated areas are governed by the County Board of Supervisors and patrolled by the Sheriff.
"San Diego" means two different things, and the difference matters as soon as you rent, buy, shop or work here. The City of San Diego is one city with its own mayor and council. San Diego County is the whole region: 18 incorporated cities plus large unincorporated areas the county governs directly.
3,298,634
County population (2020)
1,386,932
City of San Diego (2020)
18
Incorporated cities
The other 17 cities
Cities in San Diego County besides San Diego
Wikipedia, San Diego County (2020 census list). Count is cities per area.
Why your address matters
Same county, different rules
| City of San Diego | Another city (e.g. Chula Vista) | Unincorporated county | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local government | Mayor and city council | That city's council | County Board of Supervisors |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | Varies — Chula Vista is 8.75% | 7.75% |
| Minimum wage, 2026 | $17.75 city rate | State $16.90 unless the city sets its own | State $16.90 |
| Police | San Diego Police | That city's police | County Sheriff |
La Jolla, Pacific Beach, North Park and Hillcrest are neighborhoods inside the City of San Diego, not separate cities. Coronado, Del Mar and Carlsbad are their own cities. See the neighborhood guides for both.
KEEP READING
SOURCES
Everything above traces back to one of these. Follow them — if one has changed and we haven't, that's our mistake, not yours.
- BackgroundSan Diego County, California
Wikipedia · Checked October 3, 2026
18 incorporated cities (2020 census), county and city populations, county seat
City of San Diego · October 6, 2025
The city's own minimum wage
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration · Checked October 3, 2026
Local sales tax rates by city