San Diego is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and populated cities in the United States, with world-class restaurants, gorgeous sandy beaches, a comfortable year-round climate, and a health-oriented population. Whether you want to live in the artsy Hillcrest neighborhood, the glitzy Coronado community, or the funky, hip Pacific Beach area, you’ll want to know the cost of living in San Diego, California. In this guide, we’ll explain the basic San Diego cost of living averages so you can budget accordingly to find the best neighborhood to call home.
San Diego cost of living calculator and index
Due to its beautiful climate and strong economic growth, San Diego has seen a massive influx of people moving to the area, which contributes to San Diego’s above-average cost of living. Overall, the city’s cost of living is 44% higher than the national average, with housing costs being a whopping 136% higher than the national average. The costs for goods and services is 8% higher, with groceries at 13% higher, transportation at 29% higher, and utilities about 15% higher than the national average.
Most jobs are in the professional and business sector, government services, leisure and hospitality, and healthcare. Naval Base San Diego employs nearly 50,000 people, and the University of California San Diego employs nearly 40,000. The average median income for all of San Diego is $79,990, making it one of the highest in the United States.
San Diego cost of living: Average rental prices
San Diego has many diverse neighborhoods, including Julian in the Cuyamaca Mountains, upscale La Jolla on the northern shores of the Pacific Ocean, and funky beach areas like Pacific Beach. As you can imagine, rental prices vary quite a bit depending on the location. Overall, San Diego has managed to keep rental prices steady.
Check out these comparisons of rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the San Diego area. If you move to Chula Vista, expect to pay $2,100 a month, $2,077 for Oceanside, and San Diego proper around $2,280. You’ll find cheaper rent rates as you head east of the beaches and downtown area, with La Mesa coming in around $1,970 and El Cajon at $1,550 a month.
If you’re planning on attending school at San Diego State University near La Mesa and the College Area or work at the naval base or downtown San Diego, consider getting a roommate to help cut rental costs. Depending on where you live in the San Diego area, you’ll also need to calculate transportation costs if you have to commute to work or school.
San Diego cost of living: Utilities
When you include electricity, natural gas, water, and garbage, the average utility bill in San Diego comes out at around $130 per month. Because San Diego has a fairly mild temperature, your heating bills rarely change throughout the seasons, meaning your utility bills remain fairly consistent. High-speed internet costs about $65 per month.
San Diego cost of living: Transportation
Traffic can get heavy in San Diego, especially on the several major freeways that residents use to commute to and from work. Interstate 5 brings people from the northern part of San Diego to the naval base, colleges, and downtown areas. Interstate 15 brings commuters from eastern areas like Riverside and Escondido. During rush hour, expect to sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
In addition, school breaks bring loads of families to the beaches and main attractions of San Diego, adding additional traffic to the freeways. If you’re not driving, you can ride the Metropolitan Transit System, which offers several bus lines and trolleys that can bring you to popular areas in San Diego. Fares range from $2.50 for a one-way ticket or you can get the Compass Card for discounts.
Average gas prices range from $4.85 a gallon for regular gas to $5.09 a gallon for premium. For auto insurance, expect to pay a bit more than the national average. In San Diego County, the average cost per year is $1,030. In other areas of California, drivers pay about $842, and across the nation, about $889.
San Diego cost of living: Budgeting for food
Groceries run about 13% higher than the national average, depending on where you shop. Essential food items will cost more if you shop at trendy grocery stores than if you shop at any of the numerous open-air farmers markets. San Diego is a diverse city with a range of cultures, and you can find specialty stores that carry Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean goods.
San Diego has so many wonderful restaurants and bars to enjoy that you’ll want to save some money to dine out. From the freshest of seafood to handcrafted upscale cocktails, you’ll want to go out occasionally to experience the San Diego food scene. Keep in mind that the foodie sections of San Diego like the business district, Gaslamp Quarters, or La Jolla can be pricey, with the average lunchtime meal for one person costing around $17.
San Diego cost of living: Healthcare
Healthcare is another thing to factor in to the cost of living in San Diego. In general, you’ll pay about 64% more for healthcare when you live in San Diego than in other parts of the United States, making San Diego one of the most expensive places for healthcare costs.
Sales tax
Overall, San Diego’s 7.75% sales tax rate runs higher than in most cities in California. California also boasts high personal income tax rates, so make sure to budget for both of those tax structures. However, if you own your home, San Diego County has a relatively low property tax of 0.76%.
Free things to do in San Diego
If you’re on a budget, take advantage of the many great free things to do in San Diego. Head to the beach to play in the waves or watch the sunset, hike the trails in the eastern mountains, or wander through Balboa Park and the historical Mexican section of Old Town. Whether you stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter to window shop or fly a kite at Mission Bay Park, enjoy getting outside.
FAQ’s about living in San Diego
What is the average weather in San Diego?
Like most of California, the weather in San Diego is pleasant year round. Temperatures range from 50 degrees to 77 degrees, and are rarely above 85 or below 45. The coldest month is December and the warmest month is August.
What is the voting demographic in San Diego?
San Diego County is moderately liberal. In the last presidential election, 60.2% of residents voted Democrat and 37.5% voted for the Republican Party. 2.3% of San Diego County residents voted Independent.
What is the cost of college tuition in San Diego?
The University of San Diego is a top choice for residents looking to further their education. California residents pay an average of $30,240 annually to attend USD. This price includes tuition, required books, and room and board. In comparison, out of state residents can expect to pay $42,120 annually. Renting an apartment off campus can be a great way to save expenses in your budget, while having the freedom of living in your own space.
When planning a move to San Diego it’s important to consider the cost of living. Understanding your basic costs for housing, transportation, utilities, food, and entertainment will give you a better idea of your needs as a renter. When you’re ready to make the move, the San Diego sun and surf will welcome you with open arms.
Whether you choose to move there for the surfing lifestyle, attend school, or enjoy the laid-back vibe that San Diego offers, you’ll know exactly how much San Diego cost of living is. Search apartments and houses for rent on Zumper and find your next home.
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