Cost of Living in University City, San Diego, CA

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F
85%
Overall NAT. AVG.
20%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
223%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index University City San Diego California
Cost of living185176141
Groceries120120111
Health care119119116
Housing323294197
Transportation126126118
Utilities131131119
Lifestyle & Entertainment134134120
Household Items114114111
Education & Childcare142142127
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Homes For Sale In San Diego, CA

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850 State St

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9161 Hala Way

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10817 Rueda Ct

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6025 Estelle St #4

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in University City is 31% higher than the San Diego average
  • The cost of living in University City is 85% higher than the national average
  • University City housing is 223% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around University City

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Compare San Diego, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Household$150,782$12,565$3,518$4,524

      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% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Spring Valley CDP (Lake County), CA1,1891066.1%
      National City, CA63,42214343.0%
      La Presa, CA38,67914443.5%
      Lemon Grove, CA27,51214444.1%
      El Cajon, CA105,48415050.0%
      San Diego, CA1,466,87117676.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dallas, TX1,391,8191077.0%
      Calgary, AB1,371,990n/a 
      San Antonio, TX1,573,2371000.3%
      Philadelphia, PA1,632,1571022.0%
      Phoenix, AZ1,698,45711312.9%
      San Diego, CA1,466,87117676.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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