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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in San Diego: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

11.9% above

Cost of living in San Diego is 11.9% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area (index 111.9; U.S. = 100). Median rent in San Diego is $2,414 a month.

Cost of living in San Diego by category

Overall prices

111.9U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+11.9% vs. U.S.

Goods
108.0 +8.0%
Housing (rents)
179.3 +79.3%
Utilities
174.2 +74.2%
Other services
99.6 −0.4%

BEA 2024 · San Diego metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$2,414/mo

Median gross rent

+62% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$2,108 +62% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$2,562 +72% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$3,052 +82% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$980,700 +172% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$3,333 +64% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$161/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
33.6¢/kWh +84% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$21.96/Mcf +13% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
174.2

EIA July 2026 · California statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

24.0min

Mean travel time to work

−12% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
65%
Work from home
18%
Gasoline (California)
$5.92/gal +36% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$379/wk

Center care, infant

+119% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$269/wk +75% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$243/wk +68% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$251/wk +75% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · San Diego County Details: Child care

Income

$111,032/yr

Median household income

+36% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
26%
Home value to income
8.8×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in San Diego

Median gross rent in San Diego is $2,414 a month, 62% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $2,000–$2,499 range, which holds 22.4% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 46.2% pay $2,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $980,700, and 48.3% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: San Diego vs. California vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent San Diego: $2,414; California: $2,104; U.S.: $1,487 San Diego $2,414 California $2,104 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs San Diego: $3,333; California: $3,001; U.S.: $2,035 San Diego $3,333 California $3,001 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value San Diego: $980,700; California: $759,500; U.S.: $360,600 San Diego $980,700 California $759,500 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureSan DiegoCaliforniaU.S.
Median monthly rent$2,414$2,104$1,487
Monthly owner costs$3,333$3,001$2,035
Median home value$980,700$759,500$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in San Diego

What renters pay in San Diego Share of renter households paying cash rent in San Diego by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 2.8%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 18.1%. Median $2,414. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 2.8% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 1.9% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 2.4% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 2.9% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 4.3% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 17.2% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 22.4% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 15.4% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 12.7% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 18.1% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $2,414 (San Diego) 22.4%
Show the data table
RangeSan DiegoU.S.
Less than $5002.8%6.1%
$500–$7491.9%6.8%
$750–$9992.4%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2492.9%13.5%
$1,250–$1,4994.3%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99917.2%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49922.4%13.2%
$2,500–$2,99915.4%6.5%
$3,000–$3,49912.7%3.2%
$3,500 or more18.1%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in San Diego

Home values in San Diego Share of owner-occupied homes in San Diego by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 2.8%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 24.2%. Median $980,700. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 2.8% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 0.7% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 0.6% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 0.3% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 0.4% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 1.5% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 4% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 18.9% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 22.5% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 24.1% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 24.2% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $980,700 (San Diego) 24.2%
Show the data table
RangeSan DiegoU.S.
Less than $100,0002.8%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9990.7%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9990.6%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9990.3%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9990.4%8.5%
$300,000–$399,9991.5%15.9%
$400,000–$499,9994%12%
$500,000–$749,99918.9%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99922.5%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,99924.1%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more24.2%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in San Diego

Measure San Diego California U.S.
Median rent (all units) $2,414$2,104$1,487
1-bedroom rent $2,108$1,835$1,301
2-bedroom rent $2,562$2,179$1,490
3-bedroom rent $3,052$2,431$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $3,333$3,001$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is San Diego?

At the median, rent takes about 26% of household income in San Diego. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $96,600 a year.

The median home is worth $980,700, or 8.8 times the median household income.

Household income in San Diego

The median household in San Diego earns $111,032 a year, 36% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 24.4% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 10.8% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: San Diego vs. California vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) San Diego: $111,032; California: $100,149; U.S.: $81,604 San Diego $111,032 California $100,149 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureSan DiegoCaliforniaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$111,032$100,149$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in San Diego

Household income distribution in San Diego Share of households in San Diego by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.3%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 24.4%. Median $111,032. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $10,000: 4.3% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 4.3% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 7.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11.3% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 10.7% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.7% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 12.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 24.4% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $111,032 (San Diego) 24.4%
Show the data table
RangeSan DiegoU.S.
Less than $10,0004.3%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.1%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.4%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.1%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.5%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.4%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.1%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.2%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9994.3%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9997.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911.3%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99910.7%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.7%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99912.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more24.4%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure San Diego California U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $111,032$100,149$81,604
Median home value $980,700$759,500$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area scored 111.9 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 179.3; the lowest is other services at 99.6.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items San Diego metro area: 111.9; California: 110.7; U.S.: 100.0 San Diego metro area 111.9 California 110.7 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods San Diego metro area: 108.0; California: 106.1; U.S.: 99.6 San Diego metro area 108.0 California 106.1 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) San Diego metro area: 179.3; California: 154.3; U.S.: 100.6 San Diego metro area 179.3 California 154.3 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities San Diego metro area: 174.2; California: 158.9; U.S.: 98.4 San Diego metro area 174.2 California 158.9 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services San Diego metro area: 99.6; California: 102.6; U.S.: 100.1 San Diego metro area 99.6 California 102.6 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureSan Diego metro areaCaliforniaU.S.
All items111.9110.7100.0
Goods108.0106.199.6
Housing (rents)179.3154.3100.6
Utilities174.2158.998.4
Other services99.6102.6100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in California paid an average of 33.6¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $161 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $21.96 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are California averages rather than figures for San Diego alone.

Energy prices: California vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) California: 33.6¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ California 33.6¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) California: $161; U.S.: $157 California $161 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) California: $21.96; U.S.: $19.40 California $21.96 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureCaliforniaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)33.6¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$161$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$21.96$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in San Diego who commute spend an average of 24.0 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (65% of workers); 18% work from home. Regular gasoline averaged $5.92 a gallon in California in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work San Diego: Drove alone 65%, Carpooled 8.3%, Public transit 2.6%, Walked 3.8%, Bicycle 0.6%, Worked from home 18%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.8%. California: Drove alone 67.3%, Carpooled 10.2%, Public transit 3.3%, Walked 2.5%, Bicycle 0.8%, Worked from home 14.1%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.9%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in San Diego: Drove alone. San Diego San Diego · Drove alone: 65% 65% San Diego · Carpooled: 8.3% San Diego · Public transit: 2.6% San Diego · Walked: 3.8% San Diego · Bicycle: 0.6% San Diego · Worked from home: 18% 18% San Diego · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.8% California California · Drove alone: 67.3% 67.3% California · Carpooled: 10.2% California · Public transit: 3.3% California · Walked: 2.5% California · Bicycle: 0.8% California · Worked from home: 14.1% 14.1% California · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.9% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationSan DiegoCaliforniaU.S.
Drove alone65%67.3%69.2%
Carpooled8.3%10.2%9.2%
Public transit2.6%3.3%3.7%
Walked3.8%2.5%2.4%
Bicycle0.6%0.8%0.5%
Worked from home18%14.1%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.8%1.9%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in San Diego

Travel time to work in San Diego Share of workers who do not work from home in San Diego by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.8%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 1.4%. Mean 24.0 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than 5 min: 1.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 5.4% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 11.7% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 19.3% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 22.8% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 8.6% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 15% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 5.8% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 3% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 1.4% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 24.0 min (San Diego) 22.8%
Show the data table
RangeSan DiegoU.S.
Less than 5 min1.8%2.8%
5–9 min5.4%9.4%
10–14 min11.7%13.1%
15–19 min19.3%15%
20–24 min22.8%14.1%
25–29 min8.6%7%
30–34 min15%13.7%
35–39 min2.3%3.4%
40–44 min3%4.1%
45–59 min5.8%8.3%
60–89 min3%6.3%
90 min or more1.4%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in San Diego

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $379 a week in San Diego County, or $19,719 over 52 weeks. That is 119% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care San Diego County California (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $379$353$174
Center-based care, toddler $269$217$153
Center-based care, preschool $243$190$144
Center-based care, school-age $219$110$120
Home-based family care, infant $251$246$143
Home-based family care, toddler $238$219$132
Home-based family care, preschool $238$207$131
Home-based family care, school-age $180$199$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than San Diego prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in San Diego?

Median rent is $2,108 for a one-bedroom and $2,562 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in San Diego?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 7.1% pay less than $1,000 a month, 24.4% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 68.6% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in San Diego?

To keep the median rent of $2,414 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $96,600 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is San Diego more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area at 111.9 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 11.9% above average. Housing rents score 179.3.

How long is the average commute in San Diego?

24.0 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in San Diego?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $379 a week in San Diego County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.