If you are planning on moving to San Diego, you’ll probably want to know how much (on average) it costs to live here. We have compiled a lot of useful information about different expenses that are important for every resident to know. Keep reading to find out how much life costs in San Diego!
Why is it So Expensive to Live in San Diego?
Most people want to move to a better place, usually for a number of reasons. Whether you’re searching for a shorter commute, want to be closer to the nightlife, or are simply seeking a change, there are a number of valid reasons for seeking a new area and a new quality of life.
Moving to a new home in a new neighborhood can be expensive on its own, but sometimes, the cost of living can also be pricier. San Diego is an incredible city with excellent weather and gorgeous views, and because of the high demand for housing in the city, it can be expensive to relocate here.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in San Diego?
The cost of living in San Diego is 6% higher than the average cost of living in California and 49% higher than the national average. This is understandable, because the quality of life in San Diego is extremely high and the city attracts a large number of residents. However, there are many great ways to lower your cost of living in San Diego, such as choosing a less expensive neighborhood, distant location, or smaller property.
Rent Costs in San Diego
Rent is usually the biggest monthly expense when it comes to living in San Diego. Here’s what you should know about rent in this California city:
- The average rent in the city is approximately $2,300 per month
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,500 per month
- The average rent for a two-bedroom house is about $2,000 and $2,900 for a three-bedroom house
Be prepared to pay these types of prices to live in San Diego. Keep in mind those rates are averages, so there are properties available for rent that are higher than that. The most expensive neighborhoods in San Diego include Little Italy, the Northern City, and La Hola, and the most affordable are Rolando, Darnall, and City Heights East.
Home Buying in San Diego
If you have enough means to buy a property in San Diego, the average home costs around $650,000. This is 8.2% cheaper than Los Angeles, but 30% higher than the national average. Because of the high price of buying in the city, many residents choose to rent instead.
San Diego Mortgage Rates
A home mortgage is closely tied to current interest rates. Mortgage rate in the city vary due to a number of factors, including:
- interest rate that you charge the lender
- level of risk for which you have access
- price of home
- location of home
- total income you receive (alone or with other working family members)
Current mortgage rate in San Diego is approximately 3.8% on a mortgage of 30 years, at fixed prices.
Food Costs
Food is what we can’t do without. That’s why it’s essential to budget your food expenses into your cost of living. Most people need to eat several times a day and the cost of food in San Diego depends on your personal eating habits. If you have a large family, eat out at restaurants frequently, or shop at high-end grocery stores, you’ll probably be spending more on food than the average person.
San Diego residents spend about 13.3% of their household budget on food, which is slightly above the national average. That’s about $350-$500 a month. Depending on where you shop and how much you buy, this could be less (or more) for you.
Transportation Costs
After housing (whether it be monthly mortgage payments or rent) and food, transportation is the next factor that contributes to your cost of living. Expect monthly transportation costs of approximately $75 to $165 per month, depending on the distance. This applies to those of you who intend to use public transport. This type of transport is many times cheaper than the cost of owning a vehicle.
If you decide to use a personal car, then transportation costs will rise to $150 to $400 a month. The average distance commuted is about 26 minutes. All in all, San Diego residents spend about 14.3% of their income on their transportation budget, which is slightly below the national average of 16%.
Utility Costs
Utility fees are also part of your cost of living. These include electricity, water, heating, internet and cell phone costs. In the last year there has been an increase of 1.4% for the price of utilities. On average, the cost of utilities for a 1,000-square-foot apartment in San Diego is $200 a month.
