Cost of Living in San Diego, CA
Population 1,385,061 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
San Diego's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $849,000 for a typical home, 178% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $104,321 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Diego
The median home value in San Diego is $848,500 — 178% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,223/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,321/year is 40% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 73.5°F and lows of 54.8°F. Overall, San Diego has a cost of living index of 235 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 135% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 67 | 67 | 69 | 71 | 72 | 75 | 80 | 82 | 81 | 78 | 73 | 67 |
| Low °F | 46 | 47 | 50 | 52 | 57 | 60 | 64 | 65 | 64 | 58 | 50 | 45 |
| Precip" | 2.32 | 2.65 | 1.63 | 0.77 | 0.28 | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.01 | 0.17 | 0.54 | 0.91 | 1.61 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA?
San Diego has a cost index of 235 (100 = national average). It is 135% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Diego, CA?
The median gross rent in San Diego is $2,223 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego is $848,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Diego?
The median household income in San Diego is $104,321 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Diego, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Diego is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Diego, CA affordable?
San Diego is above average in cost of living, with an index of 235 — about 135% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in San Diego?
San Diego has average high temperatures of 73.5°F and average lows of 54.8°F. Annual precipitation is 11". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
San Diego at a Glance
- Population
- 1,385,061
- Median Income
- $104,321
- Home Value
- $848,500
- Median Rent
- $2,223/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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