Cost of Living in San Diego

San Diego has an overall cost-of-living index of 160.2 (national average = 100). This is higher than the California statewide average of 143.1. Median home prices are $880,000 and average 2BR rent is $2,800/month.

Yes, San Diego is more expensive than the national average with an index of 160.2. Housing is the biggest factor at 275% of the national average.

Average 2-bedroom rent in San Diego is $2,800/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the California statewide average of $2,792/month.

Groceries in San Diego have an index of 107.5 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $441 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $5.32.

Center-based infant childcare in San Diego averages $21,945/year ($1,829/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

San Diego's housing index is 275 vs the California statewide average of 199.4. Median home prices are $880,000 in San Diego vs $785,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $2,800/month vs $2,792/month statewide.

San Diego's transportation cost index is 138 (national average = 100). Regular gas averages $5.29/gallon. Transportation costs are significantly above the national average — factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance.

San Diego's utility cost index is 140.5 (national average = 100). The estimated average monthly electric bill is $240, compared to the national average of $137/month and the California statewide average of $240/month. Utility rates are based on EIA 2024 residential electricity data.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $120,150 in San Diego. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.

Based on San Diego's cost-of-living index of 160.2, a single adult needs approximately $80,100–$90,100/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by San Diego's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.