Ah, San Diego. With its natural and architectural beauty (we’re looking at you, California Tower), perfect weather, and an endless list of activities, it’s no wonder the cost of living is a little high (as of June, the cost of rent was 48% higher than the national average). It’s got beaches and a big-city feeling. Luckily, there are many great cities nearby that offer that Southern California lifestyle in smaller, quieter settings and, in some cases, a slightly lower price point. Here are the 10 best cities near San Diego to live in 2024.
The best cities near San Diego
1. National City
- Driving distance from San Diego: 6.4 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 12 minutes
- Median household income: $74,926
- Median rent: $2,395, up 23% compared to the national average as of July 2024
- Best for: Families, commuters
- Attractions: Pepper Park, Pier 32 Marina, Paradise Valley Hospital
Why National City is a great place to live
National City is a diverse and lively community just minutes from downtown San Diego. With its more affordable housing, excellent schools, and easy access to public transportation, it’s a great choice for families and commuters. The city also has a variety of parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a fun and exciting place to call home.
2. Chula Vista
- Driving distance from San Diego: 9.6 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 16 minutes
- Median household income: $120,845
- Median rent: $3,100, which is 59% higher than the national average
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families
- Attractions: Chula Vista Bayfront Park, Aquatica San Diego, Otay Ranch Town Center
Why Chula Vista is a great place to live
Chula Vista offers a suburban lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. There’s something for everyone, from hiking and biking trails to water sports and golf courses. The city also has excellent schools and various shopping and dining options, making it a great place to raise a family.
3. Santee
- Driving distance from San Diego: 18.2 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 22 minutes
- Median household income: $100,361
- Median rent: $3,069, +57% higher than the national average
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Sportsplex USA Santee, Santee Boulders
Why Santee is a great place to live
Santee is perfect for families with great schools and plenty of outdoor activities. The city features parks, trails, lakes, and a popular sports complex and rock climbing gym. Residents of Santee benefit from a community feel, which is perfect for anyone looking for a more peaceful, friendly environment to call home—especially given its proximity to the outdoors.
4. Encinitas
- Driving distance from San Diego: 25.6 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 31 minutes
- Median household income: $198,797
- Median rent: $4,250, +118% higher than the national average
- Best for: Beach lovers, yogis
- Attractions: Moonlight State Beach, San Diego Botanic Garden, Swami’s Beach
Why Encinitas is a great place to live
While Encinitas isn’t less expensive than San Diego, if you want to live outside the city, it is a laid-back beach town with a strong sense of community. It is great for people who want idyllic coastal living. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent surf spots, and thriving yoga community. Encinitas also offers unique shops, restaurants, galleries, and highly-rated schools.
5. Escondido
- Driving distance from San Diego: 30.1 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 34 minutes
- Median household income: $99,944
- Median rent: $2,595, up 33% compared to the national average
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Daley Ranch, California Center for the Arts
Why Escondido is a great place to live
Escondido is a lively city with a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. The city is home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and various parks, trails, and lakes. Escondido also has a thriving arts scene with several museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, making it a great place for families.
6. Oceanside
- Driving distance from San Diego: 38.6 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 41 minutes
- Median household income: $109,818
- Median rent: $3,100, +59% higher than the national average
- Best for: Beach lovers, military families
- Attractions: Oceanside Pier, California Surf Museum, Oceanside Harbor
Why Oceanside is a great place to live
Oceanside is where you go if you need a relaxed vibe with easy access to the beach. Similarly to Escondido, renters here live alongside beautiful beaches with great surfing and a thriving arts scene. Oceanside also has a large military presence with Camp Pendleton nearby, making it ideal for military families.
7. Spring Valley
- Driving distance from San Diego: 11.9 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 16 minutes
- Median household income: $98,099
- Median rent: $2,385, +22% higher than the national average
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Dictionary Hill Open Space Preserve, Sweetwater Reservoir, Spring Valley Community Center
Why Spring Valley is a great place to live
Spring Valley is a quiet, family-friendly community just 15 minutes outside of San Diego. The city offers parks, trails, open spaces, and a popular community center with sports facilities and classes for all ages. Spring Valley also has excellent schools and rent prices below San Diego’s average. Spring Valley is a great spot if you want easy access to the city and nearby nature preserves.
8. Poway
- Driving distance from San Diego: 22.6 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 31 minutes
- Median household income: $170,679
- Median rent: $3,800, +95% higher than the national average (as of June 2024)
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Lake Poway, Old Poway Park, Iron Mountain Trailhead
Why Poway is a great place to live
Surrounded by multiple natural preserves and open spaces and just 30 minutes away from San Diego, Poway is perfect for renters who want to be close to downtown but not too close — while also needing easy access to the outdoors. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly community, known for its schools and various parks and trails. Poway also has a thriving business community, making it great for professionals and families.
9. La Mesa
- Driving distance from San Diego: 10.0 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 17 minutes
- Median household income: $105,161
- Median rent: $2,425, up 24% from the national average as of July
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Lake Murray, Mount Helix Park, La Mesa Depot Museum
Why La Mesa is a great place to live
La Mesa is a charming community about 17 minutes away from central San Diego, making this another great spot for commuters who want to be able to get into the city easily, without the hassle of living in it. While renters in La Mesa can access San Diego’s parks in a jiffy, the town itself is home to beautiful parks, trails, lakes, and a historic downtown area with unique shops and restaurants. La Mesa also has excellent schools, so it’s yet another great option for families.
10. El Cajon
- Driving distance from San Diego: 14.9 miles
- Commute time to San Diego via car: 22 minutes
- Median household income: $62,902
- Median rent: $2,135, up 9% compared to the national average, as of the July 2024 rent report
- Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Attractions: Parkway Plaza, Sycuan Casino Resort, Knox House Museum
Why El Cajon is a great place to live
El Cajon, just 22 minutes from Balboa Park and 25 from the San Diego airport, is a San Diego diverse suburb full of charm that single renters or families will love. It’s got plenty of restaurants and shops and has its own attractions, like the Sycuan Casino Resort, to keep its residents busy and feeling lively. It offers the perks of a suburb with a little more of an urban feel, so you never feel too far from the action.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor activities, or coastal living, these cities near San Diego offer diverse and affordable options to suit your lifestyle in 2024.
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