Cost of living in San Diego, California
San Diego County, CA
Part of the San Diego Metro Area
Population 3,282,782 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in San Diego
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in San Diego
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in San Diego
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in San Diego
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in San Diego
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in San Diego
State and local tax rates for California.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in San Diego
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for San Diego
What it costs to live in San Diego each month.
- Rent $2,328
- Energy $217
- Water $60
- Groceries $397
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $646
- State tax $133
- Rent $2,881
- Energy $260
- Water $70
- Groceries $658
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,344
- State tax $514
- Rent $3,852
- Energy $326
- Water $85
- Groceries $998
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,344
- State tax $514
Frequently asked questions about San Diego
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in San Diego?
In San Diego, California, a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,328 per month, a two-bedroom averages $2,881 per month, a three-bedroom averages $3,852 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in San Diego?
In San Diego, California, the average household income is $102,285 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $49,552 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in San Diego?
The estimated cost of living in San Diego, California is approximately $4,511 per month for a single person, $6,941 for a couple, $10,119 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in San Diego?
The combined sales tax rate in San Diego, California is 8.85%, which includes the California state rate of 7.25% plus an average local rate of 1.60%.
Is San Diego an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in San Diego, California would need approximately $4,511 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $102,285 per year ($8,524 per month). San Diego has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in San Diego?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in San Diego, California is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in San Diego?
The average home value in San Diego, California is $791,600, with average annual property taxes of $5,542, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does San Diego compare to other areas?
You can compare San Diego, California with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. San Diego is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area.
Other counties in California
Browse the full list of counties in California, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in CaliforniaCompare San Diego with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP