Cost of Living in San Diego, California, United States

Are you considering a move to San Diego, California, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? San Diego, California is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in San Diego, California and help you understand whether $5270 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5642.79.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
San Diego, California, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

28.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

90.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

12.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

8.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

9.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.52 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.87 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.54 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.19 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

4.0 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

4.83 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

4.53 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

13.64 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

14.65 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

18.41 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.03 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.09 $

Oranges (1 lb)

3.3 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.9 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.57 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.67 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.12 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.31 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

12.5 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.34 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.45 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.53 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.5 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

73.5 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.45 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.86 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

37.5 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.4 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

27000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

25111.11 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

358.03 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

77.43 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

82.33 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

32.94 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

16.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1547.78 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

18570.71 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

62.39 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

65.6 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

95.73 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

136.79 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

2985.59 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

2440.44 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

5216.43 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

4388.1 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

11854.65 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

10585.89 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

5642.79 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.49 %

Cost of Living in San Diego, California, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in San Diego, California?

The monthly expenses for living in San Diego, California come to a total of approximately $5270. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2985 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $396 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1087 per month.

How affordable is living in San Diego, California?

Living in San Diego, California appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5642.79. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in San Diego, California, you would likely need an income exceeding $5642.79.

What is the average salary in San Diego, California?

In San Diego, California, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5642.79, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in San Diego, California?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of San Diego, California is approximately $2985. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $2440.44 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in San Diego, California?

The expense for groceries in San Diego, California can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $823 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

San Diego, California, United States

How Safe Is San Diego, California, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in San Diego, California, United States

OVERALL RISK: LOW

San Diego is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it's sometimes dangerous, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

San Diego has safe and convenient public transport, though you shouldn't let your guard down. Be extremely vigilant while on public transport and don't linger around the bus, railway and metro stations.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpockets and purse snatching can be an issue in public transport and locations frequented by tourists, though the rate of petty crime is on a major decline for the past couple of years. Still, it is wise to watch your belongings while on public transport or in crowded places.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Occasional natural threats exist in some areas of San Diego, like wildfires, landslides, and earthquakes.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

You're not in danger in San Diego, when it comes to chances of being mugged or kidnapped. Violent street crime is not a common occurrence but only if you avoid dangerous areas of San Diego that even locals rarely dare to walk around.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Excluding isolated shootings, San Diego hasn't been the target of any terrorist attacks recently, but the attacks shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Just like in other tourist destinations, there will be people trying to scam you in San Diego, too. Homeless people can turn aggressive if you refuse to give them money. Be wary of anyone trying to distract you, flashing large signs in front of you or ATMs that look like they've been tampered with.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

San Diego is very safe for female solo travelers. Following basic precaution measures should completely minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

The US is famous for its harsh policy for acquiring a tourist, let alone a resident visa. The US embassies usually ask for interviews before granting tourist visas, and tourists usually have to pay up to 160 USD to get a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The United States dollar is the official currency in San Diego. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are widely available. The prices vary but you can plan on spending about 100 dollars per day.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in San Diego can be described with one word - perfect. The San Diego area can be incredibly pleasant to visit almost any time of the year, with its mild Mediterranean climate. Coastal temperatures are somewhere around 24°C most of the time, and there is very low to none humidity.

flight_takeoff

Airports

San Diego International Airport formerly referred to as Lindbergh Field, is an international airport in San Diego. It is located about 4.8 km northwest of Downtown San Diego, California, United States.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to San Diego, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

San Diego, California, United States

What about weather in San Diego, California, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 65°F 66°F 66°F 68°F 69°F 71°F 75°F 77°F 76°F 73°F 69°F 65°F
Temp 57°F 58°F 60°F 62°F 64°F 66°F 70°F 71°F 71°F 67°F 62°F 57°F
Low 51°F 52°F 55°F 57°F 60°F 63°F 67°F 68°F 66°F 62°F 55°F 51°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 18°C 18°C 18°C 20°C 20°C 21°C 23°C 25°C 24°C 22°C 20°C 18°C
Temp 13°C 14°C 15°C 16°C 17°C 18°C 21°C 21°C 21°C 19°C 16°C 13°C
Low 10°C 11°C 12°C 13°C 15°C 17°C 19°C 20°C 18°C 16°C 12°C 10°C

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