Living in San Diego: Your Moving Guide

San Diego is one of the most populated cities in America, and people have moved there to enjoy the spectacular weather, healthy economy, and high quality of life. Known for its moderate climate and warm, sunny weather all year long, proximity to famous destinations and activities like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, gorgeous beaches, and San Diego Comic Con, it has broad appeal to residents and visitors alike. If you’re considering a move to San Diego, here’s everything you need to know.

Cost of Living in San Diego

Here’s some basic information about the average cost of living in San Diego.

• Rent prices: the average cost to rent a 1 bedroom apartment is $1,950, and a 2 bedroom is $2,470.
• Utilities: the average cost of utilities for a 915 square foot apartment is $119, and internet services range from $50–$90.
• Transportation: Monthly transit passes range from $72–$165 for adults, depending on distance traveled.
• Food costs: residents of San Diego spend roughly 12.5% of their household budget on food, slightly below the national average. Of this food budget, 53.7% is spent on meals at home, and 46.3% is spent on dining out. This is slightly above the national average, showing that San Diegans take advantage of their dynamic restaurant scene.

San Diego Neighborhoods

As with every city, San Diego has a number of different neighborhoods, which influence the atmosphere and local vibe, as well as rent and transportation costs.

• La Jolla: If you’re looking to live in a ritzy beach town filled to the brim with exciting shopping, ample college students, and tasty restaurants, La Jolla is the place for you. You’ll find higher-end luxury apartments around here, as well as pretty fancy beaches. If you’ve got the budget, this adorable little area is a great spot for both living and socializing.
• Del Mar: The renowned home of the San Diego County Fair and the Del Mar Races, Del Mar contains classy homes, attractive beaches, and tons of activities. A pretty popular tourist spot, you’ll live among luxury hotels and beach resorts, as well as quite a few celebrity tourists. Hit up the Saturday farmer’s market for all of your produce, seafood, and floral needs, or spend the day on some of the cleanest beaches around.
• Little Italy: Little Italy is a great spot for urban families, as the neighborhood association sponsors year-long family-friendly activities, like trick-or-treating on India street, and holiday tree lighting. Dog parks, playgrounds, pedestrian areas, and splash fountains at Waterfront Park make this neighborhood a great place to live with a family. Great brew pubs, designer shopping, and a fantastic farmer’s market add to the community spirit and make Little Italy appeal to locals and visitors alike.
• Pacific Beach: Surfer vibes combine with exciting nightlife to make up the neighborhood of Pacific Beach. Particularly popular among young people, this is the place to be if you find yourself doing a different water sport every day and love eating a good burger or seafood beachside.
• Downtown: Downtown San Diego is chock full of dining options and nightlife. You’ll also find a young, upbeat community and housing on the pricier side. It’s known mostly for the“Gaslamp Quarter,” a trendy, upbeat area of downtown stacked with speakeasies, dueling piano bars, and nightclubs where young people dance the night away.
• East Village: Sports fanatics, this one’s for you. East Village is an up and coming San Diego hood with lots of new luxury lofts and apartments for rent. It’s also home to PETCO Park and the San Diego Padres (MLB), tons of galleries, bars, and live music venues.
• South Park: South Park is a small, tight-knit community where locals pride themselves in the neighborhood’s farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shops, and overall urban feel.
• North Park: North Park is the craft-brew center of San Diego, and foodies love the diverse restaurants and unusual flavor experiences of this neighborhood.
• El Cerrito: El Cerrito is the next up-and-coming neighborhood in San Diego, with historic homes and walkable streets close to freeways and transport. Cute bistros and traditional ethnic restaurants increase the appeal of this neighborhood.

Transportation

While it wouldn’t be California without constant complaints about traffic, average commute times in San Diego are only about 26 minutes, with more and more commuters traveling by highway rather than locally. San Diego also offers a robust public transit system, ranging from the quaint downtown trolley to the Rapid bus that connects to the suburbs.

Don’t Miss

Between pristine beaches and restaurants with a view, it can be hard to break away from the oceanside attractions. Step away fromt eh beach and grab a craft beer at Mike Hess Brewing in eclectic North Park, or at one of the more than 100 craft breweries that call San Diego County home. Be sure to head to Hillcrest, the LGBT neighborhood where locals brunch during the day and hit the town at night. Little Italy also boasts activities and events any foodie will love like the Little Italy Mercato and Little Italy Fiesta. Catch the San Diego Padres take the field at Petco Park or hit up The Shout! House, a lively, interactive dueling piano bar in the Gaslamp Quarter. Whatever you do, you’re sure to be doing it under the California sunshine.

Tips for Moving to San Diego

• Do: move in the wintertime. Summer vacationers drive up occupancy rates and make it harder to find a place.
• Do: check out the local parking situation if you plan on owning and driving a car. Parking in some neighborhoods can be a challenge.
• Don’t: be wasteful. California has laws mandating recycling and water conservation. Know what is expected of you.
• Do: get a Compass Card even if you don’t plan to use public transportation regularly. That way you’ll have it if and when you need it.
• Don’t: forget about Comic-Con. Even if you don’t plan on attending it, the influx of visitors from around the world will impact your commute, your recreation, and any travel or hospitality. Mark it on your calendar.

San Diego is a rich, diverse, and incredible place to live. Keep your eye out for events and activities throughout the year, make sure to pack your bathing suit, and get ready to make the move to beautiful San Diego.

This article was updated on 1/10/19.