How much does it cost to live in San Diego?

Typical monthly costs in San Diego are approximately $2,800 in rent and $2,200 in other expenses, totalling around $5,000/month.

How much should I save in San Diego?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a very high cost city like San Diego, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

San Diego · USD · very high cost city

Cost of living in San Diego — is your salary enough?

San Diego median rent reached $2,800/month in 2023, reflecting sustained demand from defence, biotech, and tourism sectors. San Diego earners face Bay Area-level housing costs without commensurate tech-sector salaries for most workers.

Rent in San Diego

Budget$2,100 – $2,500/mo

Typical$2,800 – $3,200/mo

Premium$3,600+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$2,200/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$5,000/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical San Diego costs ($2,800 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -61.9%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving -30%

Critical

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 3.4%

Falling Behind

See your personal verdict for San Diego

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$2,800/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your San Diego salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your San Diego rent too high?