Cost of Living in San Diego
United States
Monthly budget (single)
$2,708–$4,287/month
$2,708 – $4,287 (local currency)
Last updated: 2026-03
Can you afford to live in San Diego?
Enter your monthly take-home in USD. We compare it to typical budgets for your household size (estimates, not financial advice).
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,031–$3,159 | $2,031 – $3,159 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,072–$1,692 | $1,072 – $1,692 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | $85–$164 | $85 – $164 |
| Internet & Mobile | $34–$56 | $34 – $56 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $429–$643 | $429 – $643 |
| Eating out (per meal, mid-range) | $56–$102 | $56 – $102 |
| Coffee | $5–$7 | $5 – $7 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | $107–$130 | $107 – $130 |
| Gym membership | $39–$73 | $39 – $73 |
| Cinema ticket | $16–$20 | $16 – $20 |
Budget scenarios
Single
$2,708–$4,287/mo USD
$2,708 – $4,287
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,159/mo
- Groceries: ~$643/mo
- Transport: ~$130/mo
Couple
$4,287–$6,544/mo USD
$4,287 – $6,544
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,159/mo
- Groceries: ~$643/mo
- Transport: ~$130/mo
Family
$6,205–$9,590/mo USD
$6,205 – $9,590
Top expenses
- Rent (1-bed center): ~$3,159/mo
- Groceries: ~$643/mo
- Transport: ~$130/mo
Neighbourhood guide
San Diego Center
CentralUrban core, transit access
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,539–$3,949/mo ($2,539 – $3,949)
San Diego Midtown
CentralMixed residential
Est. 1-bed rent: $2,234–$3,475/mo ($2,234 – $3,475)
San Diego Outer
SuburbanQuieter, family-friendly
Est. 1-bed rent: $1,625–$2,527/mo ($1,625 – $2,527)
Quality of life scores
Pros & cons
✅ Pros
- • Weather
- • Beaches
- • Biotech
❌ Cons
- • Military presence
- • Housing costs
Similar cities & cheaper alternatives
Cheaper alternatives
Compare San Diego with another city
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Estimates are for comparison only and do not constitute financial advice. Sources include our internal dataset and periodic third-party index updates.