What Is the Cost of Living in San Diego?

San Diego, a city in Southern California, is known for its pleasant climate, beaches, and cultural attractions. For those considering a move, understanding the financial landscape is a crucial first step. This article explores the components of expenses in San Diego, offering insights into what residents can expect regarding their budget.

Housing Costs

Housing represents a significant portion of living expenses in San Diego. Average rent for an apartment is approximately $2,373 per month as of August 2025, which is 45% higher than the national average. A studio apartment typically costs around $2,022 monthly, a one-bedroom averages $2,373, and a two-bedroom is about $2,969. A three-bedroom apartment can cost $3,882 or more per month.

Rental prices vary across neighborhoods. For instance, East Village and University City have average rents around $3,146 to $3,150. More affordable options include Colina del Sol, with average rents around $1,684 per month, or Ocean Beach at approximately $1,926. These variations reflect factors such as proximity to the city center, amenities, and market demand.

For those looking to purchase property, the median home price in San Diego is around $833,500. This is 146.5% more expensive than the U.S. average and 13.6% higher than the average home price across California. Homeownership is a substantial investment.

Transportation Costs

Transportation expenses in San Diego include personal vehicle ownership and public transit. For car owners, the average annual cost of car insurance is approximately $2,324 for full coverage. This is slightly less than the California state average but higher than the national average. Liability-only coverage averages around $856 per year.

Gasoline prices in San Diego tend to be higher than the national average. Daily parking meter rates range from $0.50 to $1.25 per hour, enforced Monday through Saturday. Some communities, including Pacific Beach, Midtown, Uptown, and Downtown, have extended meter operations to include Sundays, with rates potentially increasing to $2.50 per hour. Monthly parking garage rates can range from $40 to $450, depending on location.

Public transportation is available through the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which operates buses and trolleys. A local monthly pass for MTS costs approximately $72, while a single one-way trip is about $2.50. Ride-sharing services are also an option, with costs varying based on distance, demand, and time of day. Some neighborhoods offer walkability, reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

Everyday Necessities

Groceries in San Diego are about 11.3% pricier than the national average. A single person might spend between $220 and $390 per month on groceries, while a family of four could expect to pay $700 to $1,000 monthly.

Utility expenses in San Diego are approximately 41.9% higher than the national average. For a standard 85m² apartment, basic services like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage can amount to around $399.86 per month. The average monthly electric bill is about $166.80 as of July 2024, which is notably higher than the national average. Water and sewer costs can add about $94 to $101 and $43.07 respectively to monthly bills. Internet services typically range around $68 per month.

Dining out prices reflect San Diego’s food culture. A casual meal for two can range from $50 to $70, while an upscale dining experience might exceed $150, excluding beverages. An inexpensive restaurant meal per person generally costs between $15 and $22. A person living in San Diego spends approximately $162 monthly on restaurant meals.

Healthcare and Other Costs

Healthcare services in San Diego are about 2% more expensive than the U.S. average. Health insurance plan costs vary based on coverage and individual factors.

Entertainment costs in San Diego can range from $50 to $120 per month. Movie tickets average between $15 and $18, and concert tickets often start at $50. Theme park admissions, such as Legoland or the San Diego Zoo, typically cost $65 to $100 per person per day.

Personal care services, such as haircuts, generally cost around $28.83. Gym memberships average about $67.14 per month for one adult.

Affordability and Income

Understanding the required income level is essential for comfortable living in San Diego. For a single adult, an annual income between $85,000 and $100,000 is often suggested to cover necessities, transportation, healthcare, and some savings. Other estimates indicate a single adult may need to earn at least $76,710 per year to live comfortably, based on a 50/30/20 budget allocation: 50% for necessities, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings and debt repayment.

For a family, the income needed to live comfortably significantly increases. A Zillow study suggests a median income of $273,613 annually to comfortably afford a typical home in San Diego. For two working adults with two children, combined salaries of $289,453 per year may be required. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person, excluding rent, is approximately $1,392.40, while for a family of four, it is around $4,933.50, also excluding rent.