A single person needs roughly $5,702 per month to live in San Diego, including about $2,900 for a one-bedroom rental. That works out to a pre-tax salary of around $175,000 per year to live comfortably.

Is San Diego expensive to live in?▾

San Diego has a cost-of-living index of 114, which is 14% above the US average of 100 — rated "Expensive". Rent is about 93% higher than the national average.

What salary do you need to live in San Diego?▾

To cover typical costs comfortably (a 50/30/20 budget), a single person needs a pre-tax salary of about $175,000 per year in San Diego. Families or higher savers will need more.

Estimates for 2024 based on BEA Regional Price Parities + U.S. Census Bureau ACS. For general comparison only, not exact budgeting. Published 2026-06-03.

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