F
68%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
195%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index San Diego California National
Cost of living168140100
Goods & Services113111100
Groceries116112100
Health care105109100
Housing295196100
Transportation127126100
Utilities107127100

An Overview of Cost of Living in San Diego, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in San Diego is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in San Diego is 168, which is 68% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, San Diego may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, San Diego falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the San Diego cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 194.5% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Recurring essentials like haircuts, toothpaste, and entertainment, from movies to gym sessions, can really add up in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. In San Diego, you you will have to spend 12.6% more than average when compared to the typical prices for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in San Diego, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 15.6% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in San Diego?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 35 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in San Diego. The results indicated that 29% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 71% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is San Diego Affordable?

Is San Diego affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take San Diego, for instance, where the median home price falls 240.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 86.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with San Diego flaunting a median household income of $83,454, 50.9% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in San Diego?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In San Diego, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 7.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In San Diego, the transportation index stands at 27% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In San Diego, healthcare costs are 5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The San Diego cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in San Diego is 20% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in San Diego is 68% higher than the national average
  • San Diego housing is 195% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 56% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around San Diego

See all the best places to live around San Diego

Compare San Diego, CA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$113,929$9,494$2,658$3,418
      Renters$63,390$5,283$1,479$1,902
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in San Diego, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for San Diego homeowners, is $113,929. This would allow for a maximum of $2,658 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $63,390 which would result in a maximum of $1,479 to be spent on rental costs.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 12.3%

      Goods & Services

      Item San Diego National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.92$24.2610.9%
      Beauty Salon $65.77$45.5644.3%
      Toothpaste $3.73$3.700.7%
      Shampoo $1.50$1.2817.1%
      Movie $16.89$12.1339.2%
      Bowling $24.67$18.0037.1%

      Groceries

      Item San Diego National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.47$5.846.3%
      Fried Chicken $3.05$1.5793.7%
      Milk $4.98$4.676.5%
      Potatoes $4.94$4.930.0%
      Pizza $14.69$12.0921.5%
      Beer $11.25$10.418.1%

      Health Care

      Item San Diego National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $138.66$125.6810.3%
      Doctor $132.50$135.782.4%
      Dentist $121.37$113.297.1%
      Ibuprofen $12.01$10.6512.7%
      Lipitor $508.17$468.608.4%

      Housing

      Item San Diego National avg. Difference
      Home Price $629,500.00$184,700.00240.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $5,168.91$2,346.69120.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,770.00$949.0086.5%

      Transportation

      Item San Diego National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $4.68$3.4635.1%
      Tire Balancing $64.40$59.927.5%

      Utilities

      Item San Diego National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $223.42$193.9915.2%
      Phone $180.31$192.256.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Spring Valley CDP (Lake County), CA1,1541055.2%
      Bostonia, CA17,53213939.2%
      National City, CA61,34214140.6%
      Lakeside, CA21,03214444.0%
      La Presa, CA37,41014444.1%
      San Diego, CA1,414,54516868.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Calgary, AB1,371,990n/a 
      Dallas, TX1,338,8461077.3%
      San Antonio, TX1,529,133955.5%
      Philadelphia, PA1,581,5311022.4%
      Phoenix, AZ1,658,4221066.4%
      San Diego, CA1,414,54516868.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.