Mortgage Affordability Calculator for San Diego, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
In San Diego, the median household income is $91,000 per year, while the median home costs $875,000. The price-to-income ratio is 9.6x — a stretch in this competitive market. Use this calculator to determine what you can comfortably afford based on your income.
✓ 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
Mortgage Affordability Calculator 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).