San Diego is an amazing — but expensive — city. But with just a little knowledge of where to live, where to eat, and what free places you can visit, you’ll make the most of your time in the city no matter your budget. We’re here to help you plan a budget vacation or move permanently without breaking the bank.
What is the Cheapest Way to Stay in San Diego?
There are a few destinations that you should definitely consider before moving to San Diego. If you organize your budget the right way, you’ll find that living in San Diego is a lot more affordable than you realized.
Rent is usually the biggest part of a person’s budget. Personal finance experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your monthly income on your housing, but many people have no choice but to spend up to 50% of their monthly income on their housing, making it difficult to save money or afford other necessities.
Our Advice for Finding Affordable Housing in San Diego
- Compromise with a Less Central Neighborhood: Find out which neighborhoods are cheaper, but still have an attractive lifestyle. If you have the opportunity, explore the neighborhood in person. Explore virtual tours if you don’t have the opportunity to visit areas on your own.
- Smaller Apartments and Rooms: Typically, the smaller the property, the lower the rental price will be. You can also try to find a place with roommates, where you’ll share common spaces but have your own private room. See if you can request the smallest room in the apartment and adjust the rent based on size.
- Simple Furniture or Semi-Furnished Apartments: Furnished apartments can sometimes be more expensive than unfurnished apartments. If you can, try to rent a property without furniture, and buy second hand furniture from online marketplaces and thrift stores to decorate your place for cheap.
- Fewer Amenities: The number and quality of amenities are usually reflected in a rent price. Apartment buildings with green spaces, doormen, balconies, and common areas are usually pricier. Though these amenities are wonderful, they’re not essential, so if you’re on a budget, look for a simple building.
Don’t Forget About Utilities!
When you’re looking into new properties, make sure to ask about the approximate cost of essential utilities. This usually includes electricity, water, heat, and can sometimes include cable and internet as well. Some properties include these in the price of rent, while others expect tenants to pay on top of rent each month. This is an essential housing expense, so make sure to include it in your monthly housing budget.
Use Public Transportation as Much as Possible
Cars are convenient, but expensive, especially in cities. On top of the price of the actual car, you’ll have to pay for gas and maintenance fees. In San Diego, you might have to pay for parking or a garage space, depending on where you take your car. All of this adds up after a while. If possible, use public transportation. San Diego has a trolley system, as well as public buses that can transport residents throughout the city. It’s significantly cheaper than owning your own vehicle.
Eat Cheap!
You’ll be shocked at how much money you’ll save by eating at home. Restaurants are expensive, when you consider how much it costs to pay someone to cook and wait on you. By buying and preparing your own food, you’ll spend a lot less money each month on food. When you do go to restaurants, take advantage of deals like Happy Hour to save money. There are also lots of excellent locally-owned restaurants that are significantly cheaper than traditional dining experiences, but serve some of the best food you’ll find in the city.
Take Advantage of Free Events
San Diego is an incredibly fun city that offers a ton of free events that are completely free and open to the public. Firstly, there are exceptional natural destinations that are fun to explore. This ranges from beaches to nature preserves to city parks. If you’re outdoorsy and enjoy walking, running, or biking, you’ll never be bored here. You’ll also find theaters, museums, restaurants, and universities that offer free events during the year, or events with reduced prices for San Diego residents. Take advantage of local activities to get to know the city.
