Indexed to national average (100)
See what salary you'd need in another city to match your purchasing power in San Diego.
About San Diego
San Diego offers near-perfect weather, world-class beaches, and a diverse economy spanning defense, biotech, and tourism. While expensive, it remains more affordable than San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego expensive?
San Diego has a cost of living index of 111.9, where 100 represents the national average. This makes San Diego more expensive than most US cities.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Diego?
Based on a rent-to-income ratio of 30%, you'd need at least $92,520 to afford the median 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego and maintain basic expenses.
What is the median rent in San Diego?
The median 2-bedroom rent in San Diego is $2,313 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.