The average cost of living in San Diego is 4% higher than the state average and 46% higher than the national average. But it still attracts students and professionals due to its desirable lifestyle, job opportunities, and strong universities. UCSD had the second-highest number of applications among the nine University of California system undergraduate campuses. Known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is a vibrant city offering a quintessential Southern Californian experience, blending natural beauty with rich history and vibrant culture. Whether drawn to its historic charm, beaches, or schools, understanding the average cost of living in San Diego is crucial before moving. Is San Diego, CA, an expensive place to live? Let’s explore housing and food costs, average incomes, and other expenses to help you decide.
What is average cost of living in San
Diego?
According to the latest database, the average cost of living in San Diego is $1,341.0, excluding rent. If renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the total cost of living would be $4,045 per month. The cost of living for a family of four in Washington, D.C. is around $4725.6 without rent. Add the rent of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center, and the total living expenses should be around $9,589 a month. USCD’s students usually spend about $2,700 monthly.
The table provides a comparison of the percentage increase in various living expenses in San Diego in relation to both state and national averages. The average cost of living in San Diego surpass state and national averages across different categories, providing valuable insights for residents.
| Cost of Living in San Diego | ||
|---|---|---|
| Types | Compared to State Ave. | Compared to National Ave. |
| Housing (Rent) | 9% higher | 115% higher |
| Utilities (Monthly) | 9% higher | 12% higher |
| Food | 0% | 15% higher |
| Healthcare | 4% higher | 4% higher |
| Transport | 1% higher | 31% higher |
| Goods & Services | 2% higher | 13% higher |
San Diego Cost of Living: Housing
Housing is typically the most considerable expense for residents, and San Diego housing options are various, ranging from budget-friendly apartments to high-end homes in desirable neighborhoods. Whether you are buyers or renters, the city offers housing options catering to different income levels.
San Diego Rent Costs
Renting in San Diego is higher than in other California cities, with competitive pricing relative to state averages. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,349 per month, while a two-bedroom unit averages $2,946/month. San Diego’s housing pr rent price varies according to downtown apartment is usually higher than a suburban-style home. In San Diego, the most expensive neighborhoods are Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and Del Mar, known for their high home values, large estates, and affluent residents.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,704.22 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $2,328.04 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $4,864.59 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $4,077.50 |
Median Home Price
As of early 2026, San Diego’s median home price varies by source and area, with estimates around $900,000 to over $1.3 million. Los Angeles‘ median home price is $$923,800, presenting a more centralized figure compared to San Diego’s broader spectrum. For homebuyers, San Diego offers a mix of historic properties and modern apartments and houses, appealing to a broad range of preferences and budgets.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Apartment for Sale in City Centre (per Square Feet) | $852.34 |
| Apartment for Sale Outside of Centre (per Square Feet) | $657.79 |
| House for Sale (per Square Feet) | $709.00 |
Transportation
The transportation cost of living in San Diego is 1% higher than the state average but significantly greater at 31% higher than the national average.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $72.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $3.00 |
| Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) | $3.30 |
| Gasoline (1 gallon) | $4.99 |
Utilities
Similarly, for utilities, average cost of living in San Diego are 9% and 12% higher than the state and national averages, respectively.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $285.15 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | $66.79 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $74.52 |
Food
Food costs remain consistent, with a 15% increase compared to national averages, single person can expect to spend about $300 on a month groceries, there are Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sprouts and lots of ethnic groceries.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $22.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | $92.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | $15.00 |
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | $4.67 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $3.99 |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | $2.09 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $4.90 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $6.23 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $5.64 |
| Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | $8.38 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.30 |
| Banana (1 lb) | $0.75 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $1.85 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $2.15 |
| Potato (1 lb) | $1.37 |
| Onion (1 lb) | $1.10 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.25 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.43 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $1.84 |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | $2.50 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | $12.00 |
Entertainment
In San Diego, expect to spend roughly $50 to $120 per month on entertainment, covering a variety of activities like movies, attractions, and events.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $67.14 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | $25.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | $16.00 |
Health Care
Regarding healthcare, the average cost of living in San Diego experiences a 4% increase in expenses compared to the state average and national average.
| Items | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Optometrist Visit | $133.28 |
| Doctor Visit | $145.52 |
| Dentist Visit | $119.66 |
| Rx Drug | $252.64 |
| Veterinary Services | $76.40 |
Cost of Education in San Diego
For students studying in San Diego, our table listed tuition fees of some leading universities such as The University of San Diego, San Diego State University, The University of California San Diego, etc
| University | Student Status | Estimated Annual Tuition & Fees |
| UCSD | In-State (CA Resident) | $15,900 |
| Out-of-State / International | $50,200 | |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) | In-State (CA Resident) | $8,500 |
| Out-of-State / International | $20,400 | |
| University of San Diego (USD) | All Students (Private) | $58,200 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) | All Students (Private) | $44,800 |
| California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) | In-State (CA Resident) | $7,900 |
| Out-of-State / International | $19,800 |
Private institutions like the University of San Diego maintain a higher flat rate regardless of residency, while the CSU system (SDSU/CSUSM) remains the most budget-friendly option for local residents.
Beyond tuition, San Diego remains a high-cost market. As mentioned previously, student rental competition is fierce. It is highly recommended to secure housing early to avoid peak-season price hikes.
uhomes.com is a rental platform convenient for international and out-of-state students use when they don’t have time to view places in person. It aggregates student-friendly listings near major San Diego universities, including furnished apartments, shared housing, and purpose-built student accommodations. The main advantage is convenience.
uhomes.com works more like a listing and inquiry platform than a traditional leasing site. Here are are some of the best San Diego apartments for students, featuring 24/7 on-site support, furnished options, and community events help narrowing down neighborhoods, it can save a lot of time compared to searching on Craigslist or Facebook groups.
- Victory On Paseo: A 5 minutes walk from San Diego State University
- 7524 Charmant Dr, San Diego: A 10 minutes by bicycle from UCSD
- Union Grantville: A 5 minutes drive from San Diego State University
- 6nineteen Student Apartments: 11 minutes drive from San Diego State Universit
Average Salary in San Diego
San Diego: Salary vs Cost of Living
The average annual salary in San Diego, California is around $69,845, or approximately $5,820 per month, $1,541 per week, $33.58 per hour, with most salaries ranging between $51,750 and $86,615 annually. San Diego’s average monthly net salary (after tax) is about $5,387.08.
What is a Livable Wage in San Diego, CA?
A livable wage is the minimum income required to cover basic expenses without financial stress. To live comfortably in San Diego, a single adult needs an annual income of around $79,324, while a family of four needs nearly $145,000. Two working adults with two children need a total yearly revenue of almost $145,000 to support themselves and their family. This estimate covers housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities. For families, the required income increases significantly based on the number of dependents.
Conclusion
Chicago’s cost of living is relatively high, generally considered to be around 44% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant factor. However, it’s also significantly less expensive than major cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. If you’re moving to San Diego, it’s important to know how much you’ll need to save through your cost of living in San Diego. We hope this has helped you understand what the cost of living in San Diego is like.
FAQ about Cost of Living in San Diego
Is San Diego expensive, what's the cost of living in San Diego?
Yes, especially for housing. San Diego’s cost of living is about 44% higher than the U.S. average, mainly due to rent and utilities. That said, it’s still generally more affordable than cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, and choosing the right neighborhood makes a big difference for students.
What's the average cost of living in San Diego for a single person?
For a single person or student, living modestly in San Diego typically costs $2,500–$4,000 per month. Rent takes up the largest share of the budget, while groceries, utilities, and transportation are relatively manageable. Students who share housing or live slightly outside downtown can stay closer to the lower end of this range. Book San Diego share houses on uhomes.com, students can enjoy free roommate-matching service, group booking discounts, and cashback.
How much salary do I need to live comfortably in San Diego?
To cover basic living costs, estimates suggest around $64,000/year for a single adult. For a more comfortable lifestyle—with savings and some discretionary spending—many sources recommend $80,000–$100,000+ per year.
For students, this usually means relying on savings, family support, or shared housing rather than income alone.
What's the average salary in San Diego, CA?
ZipRecruiter shows an average around $69,845, while median estimates are a bit higher (low $70ks). The range is huge though — pay varies a lot by age and field, and higher-paying roles (legal, management, healthcare) skew the averages up.
Also worth noting: San Diego’s cost of living is high, so an “average” salary doesn’t necessarily go as far as people expect. Many estimates say you need $80k+ to live comfortably, which adds some context to those numbers. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Average Annual Salary: $69,845
- Average Hourly Rate: $35.08
- Median Salary: $73,080
- 80% of salaries fall between: $31,320 and $156,600
- Entry level positions start at: $39,950 per year
- Most experienced workers make up to: $140,490 per year
- Top earners can make: $99,135 annually
- 75th Percentile: $88,950 annually
- 25th Percentile: $50,740 annually
Can you live in San Diego on $70K a year?
Yes, living in San Diego on $70,000 a year is possible but challenging, often requiring a strict budget, roommates, or living outside the city center to manage high housing costs. While manageable for a single person, it offers limited flexibility for savings or luxuries, as comfortable living typically requires $85,000–$100,000+ for one person. Renting shared apartments with roommates can help you save some cost.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego for students?
The most affordable and popular neighborhoods for students in San Diego include College Area/SDSU, Pacific Beach, and North Park. Other budget-friendly options with good access to transit and universities include Rancho Bernardo, University City/UTC, and Chula Vista. These areas provide a mix of lower rent costs, transit access, and proximity to major campuses.
How much does it cost to live in San Diego as a family of four?
Living comfortably as a family of four in San Diego often requires an income of $150K–$200K+ per year. Housing and childcare are the biggest expenses, followed by groceries, transportation, and healthcare. This is why San Diego is generally considered more challenging for families than for single renters or students.
Is renting cheaper than buying a home in San Diego?
Renting is currently much cheaper than buying a home in San Diego, as high home prices and mortgage rates make monthly ownership costs significantly higher than rent. As of early 2026, average rent is approximately $2,377 per month, while a typical mortgage payment is roughly $5,757. Recent estimates suggest homebuyers need to earn well over $200,000 per year to afford a mid-range home, while renters need significantly less. For students and young professionals, renting is far more realistic.
Are groceries more expensive in San Diego?
Yes, groceries in San Diego are generally more expensive than the national average. As of early 2026, residents in San Diego pay approximately 11% to 13% more for food and household staples compared to the typical American city.
