Cost of Living in San Diego, United States

San Diego has a cost of living index of 146/100 (New York = 100). It is 46% more expensive than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

146/100
Cost Index
$5,200/mo
Median Income
65/100
Safety Index
Mediterranean
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 95/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,349/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,800/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,600/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 65/100
Milk (1 liter)$5.11/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$4.5/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$3.5/kg
Dining OutScore: 70/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$18/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$75/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$11/meal
TransportationScore: 72/100
Monthly Transit Pass$72/month
One-Way Ticket$2.75/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.2/km
UtilitiesScore: 68/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$200/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$65/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$55/month
HealthcareScore: 62/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$120/visit
Dentist Visit$124/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$25/course
EntertainmentScore: 65/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$17/ticket
Theater Ticket$55/ticket
Museum Entry$20/ticket
FitnessScore: 65/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$60/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$28/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 65/100
Haircut (Men)$30/cut
Haircut (Women)$55/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$7/bottle
ClothingScore: 68/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$75/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$50/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$110/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

180 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Pacific Beach, Little Italy, Downtown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Diego cheap to live in?

San Diego has a cost of living index of 146/100, where New York = 100. It is 46% more expensive than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $2,920–$4,088 per month.

How much does rent cost in San Diego?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of San Diego costs approximately $2,349/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,800/month.

Is San Diego good for digital nomads?

San Diego has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 180 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in San Diego?

The median net monthly salary in San Diego is approximately $5,200 USD. The income tax rate is around 9.3%.

How does San Diego compare to New York for cost of living?

San Diego (cost index 146) is 46% more expensive than New York (cost index 100).

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