The average cost of living in San Diego is 4% higher than the state average and 43% 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 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, 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 April 2025, the median home price in San Diego is approximately $1,040,000, according to recent market data. For Los Angeles, the median home price is $$950,740. For homebuyers, San Diego offers a mix of historic properties and modern builds, 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 and around San Diego, our table listed tuition fees of some leading universities such as UCSD, UCLA, etc.
| University | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| The University of California | $26330 – $78990 / year |
| The University of San Diego | $27527 – $56250 / year |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $37101 – $43085 / year |
| San Diego State University | $7180 – $28723/ year |
Average Salary in San Diego
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
1. Is San Diego expensive, what's the cost of living in San Diego?
Although San Diego may appear to be an expensive city in CA for individuals, it is actually more affordable than ities like Los Angeles. San Diego’s cost of living is 4% higher than the California average and 44% higher than the national average. There are lots of luxurious and affordable neighborhoods and suburbs in San Diego.
2. What's the average cost of living in San Diego for a single person?
To comfortably live as a single person in San Diego, you should aim for a salary around $80,000 to $122,000 per year before taxes, with housing costs being a significant portion of that budget. The average cost of living in San Diego includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. A single person in San Diego is expected to spend around $48,168 per year on housing, which is significantly higher than the national average. Monthly utility costs in San Diego for a standard apartment can range between $100 and $150. A single person in San Diego spends about $390 per month on groceries. Regarding transportation cost, a monthly pass for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) costs approximately $72. For miscellaneous expenses, you could budget an additional $150 to $300 per month for dining out, entertainment, and other expenses.
3. How much does it cost to live in San Diego family of 4?
Housing: Expect to pay around $3,500 per month for a 3-4 bedroom home in nicer areas, or $2,200-$3,500 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center.
Food: A family of four might spend $2,000-$2,500 per month on groceries if making minimal attempts to budget.
Childcare: Childcare can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per month per child.
Transportation: You’ll likely need at least one car, and driving is common in San Diego.
Utilities: Expect to pay around $300-$500 per month for gas, electric, and water.
Healthcare: San Diego’s healthcare costs are higher than the national average.
4. What's the average salary in San Diego, CA?
The average salary in San Diego, California is around $72,963 per year, with an average hourly rate of $35.08. The cost of living in San Diego is higher than national average, thus the average salaries in San Diego are generally above the national average. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Average Annual Salary: $72,963
- 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
