How Expensive Is San Diego, CA?
Living in San Diego is about 12% more expensive than the U.S. average.
Based on official federal data, San Diego has an overall cost-of-living index of 111.9, where 100 is the national average. That places it 12% above the national average. The typical household earns $104,321 a year and pays a median rent of $2,223 a month.
Cost of Living Index in San Diego
The index compares local prices to the national average of 100. Here is how San Diego breaks down by category.
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | vs. average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 111.9 | +12% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | +79% |
| Goods | 108.0 | +8% |
| Other services | 174.2 | +74% |
Housing and Rent in San Diego
The median gross rent in San Diego is $2,223 a month, and the median home value is $848,500. The table below shows HUD Fair Market Rents by apartment size for the metro area.
| Apartment size | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,288 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,459 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,001 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,998 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,845 |
Income in San Diego
The median household income in San Diego is $104,321 a year. With a local cost-of-living index of 111.9, that income goes less far than it would in an average U.S. city.
Salary Needed to Live in San Diego
To cover housing and everyday costs at the local price level, a single person needs an estimated $98,400 a year, and a family of four about $159,900. These estimates keep rent at roughly 30% of gross pay and adjust other costs to local prices.
These figures are estimates based on public data (BEA, Census, HUD) and a standard budget model. Actual costs vary by lifestyle.
Compare San Diego With Other Cities
See how the cost of living in San Diego stacks up against other U.S. cities, side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego expensive to live in?
San Diego has a cost-of-living index of 111.9, which is 12% above the national average. It is more expensive than a typical U.S. city, driven mainly by housing.
How much money do you need to live in San Diego?
A single person needs about $98,400 a year to live comfortably in San Diego, while a family of four needs roughly $159,900, based on local rents and prices.
What is the average rent in San Diego?
The median gross rent in San Diego is $2,223 a month. HUD Fair Market Rent for a one-bedroom in the metro area is $2,459.
Data Sources
Cost-of-living index from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities, 2024). Income, rent, and home value from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-Year, 2023). Fair Market Rents from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (FY2026).