Cost of Living Comparison for San Diego, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
San Diego's cost of living index is 163 — 63% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with San Diego local data
How San Diego Compares to the National Average
Understanding how San Diego stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | San Diego, CA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $420,800 | +107.9% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $2,195 | $1,713 | +28.1% |
| Median Household Income | $91,000 | $74,580 | +22.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.72% | 1.10% | -34.5% |
| Cost of Living Index | 163 | 100 | +63.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
San Diego Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 3,340,000
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg Commute
- 27 min
- Median Age
- 36.1
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 33.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $6,300
Cost of Living Comparison in Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — San Diego
What is the median home price in San Diego, CA?
The median home price in San Diego is $875,000 as of 2025–2026. This is above the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in San Diego?
Median monthly rent in San Diego is $2,195. That works out to $26,340/year, or 29% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is San Diego affordable?
San Diego's cost of living index is 163 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $91,000/year and a median home price of $875,000, the price-to-income ratio is 9.6x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical San Diego household.
What is the property tax rate in San Diego?
The effective property tax rate in San Diego is 0.72% of assessed value. On the median home of $875,000, that's roughly $6,300/year ($525/month).