We use a US average of 100 to calculate our cost of living indexes. Anything below 100 indicates San Diego is more affordable than the US average. Whereas San Diego is more expensive than the US average because the cost of living index is above 100.
Cost of living in San Diego 2022
| Cost of Living | San Diego | California | USA |
| Overall | 160.1 | 149.9 | 100 |
| Grocery | 109.7 | 105.1 | 100 |
| Health | 89 | 92.4 | 100 |
| Housing | 279.1 | 239.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $812,100 | $684,800 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 102.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 133.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 105.6 | 103.7 | 100 |
If you want to live in San Diego, you should be willing to spend a lot of money. While California might be home to some expensive cities, San Diego is even more expensive, 11.3% more to be exact.
The rent of a 1 bedroom apartment is an incredible $2200, not including the $140 for utilities. Which is almost half of the average monthly salary, $5,436.47. The other half would be utilized for your transportation and food. So comfortably living in San Diego is going to be difficult.
Cost of living in San Diego Detailed
Utilities (Monthly) | PRICES | RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 140.28 $ | |
| Local Prepaid Mobile Tariff | 0.21 $ | |
| Internet | 65.35 $ | |
Clothing & Shoes | ||
| Pair of Jeans | 50.66 $ | |
| Summer Dress | 44.50 $ | |
| Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 78.71 $ | |
| Pair of Men’s Leather Shoes | 105.61 $ | |
Rent Per Month | ||
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in the middle of the city | 2,223.24 $ | |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of the city | 1,755.48 $ | |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the middle of the city | 3,753.29 $ | |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of the city | 2,971.47 $ | |
Apartment Price | ||
| Price / Square Meter in City | 9,279.92 $ | |
| Price / Square Meter Outside | 4,624.37 $ | |
Salaries & Financing | ||
| Average Monthly Salary | 5,436.47 $ | |
| Mortgage Interest Rate (%), Yearly, Fixed-Rate | 3.45 |
Overview of living in San Diego:
In general terms of the total cost of living, San Diego is an expensive city to reside in. If rent and utilities are compared to the average monthly salary, it is barely livable. However, if compared to other major first world cities, the price of monthly living in San Diego is a bit lower.