North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in San-Diego
The average cost of living in San-Diego, United States is $3,480 per month for a single person, and $6,854 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $3,332 per month. The local average net salary is $5,365 per month.
Moderate cost
Updated today
Index 79.1 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $3,480 / month
- Family of 4
- $6,854 / mo
- Student
- $1,987 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in San-Diego
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$5,364.96 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for San-Diego | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in San-Diego | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in San-Diego | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in San-Diego | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in San-Diego | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in San-Diego | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in San-Diego | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in San-Diego | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in San-Diego | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in San-Diego | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| San-Diego FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in San-Diego. |
Rent & Property Prices in San-Diego
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,332 | $2,500 – $5,100 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,713 | $1,900 – $4,700 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $5,258 | $4,126 – $7,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $4,387 | $3,500 – $6,200 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $8,694 | $7,969 – $10,764 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $6,811 | $6,458 – $8,493 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,332$2,500 – $5,100
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,713$1,900 – $4,700
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $5,258$4,126 – $7,000
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $4,387$3,500 – $6,200
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $8,694$7,969 – $10,764
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $6,811$6,458 – $8,493
Grocery Prices in San-Diego
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.24 | $0.92 – $2.11 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $4.89 | $3.30 – $6.61 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $4.40 | $2.18 – $6.61 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $6.35 | $3.49 – $9.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $16 | $8.82 – $26 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $13 | $6.61 – $22 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $20 | $13 – $28 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.56 | $2.20 – $8.80 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.79 | $1.52 – $2.54 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.13 | $2.20 – $7.72 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.73 | $2.20 – $6.61 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.98 | $1.32 – $5.49 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.49 | $1.98 – $3.95 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.17 | $1.59 – $3.50 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.27 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15 | $9.00 – $22 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.18 | $1.43 – $2.86 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.10 | $2.00 – $5.99 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $12 | $10 – $13 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.24$0.92 – $2.11
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $4.89$3.30 – $6.61
- White Rice (1 kg) $4.40$2.18 – $6.61
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $6.35$3.49 – $9.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $16$8.82 – $26
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $13$6.61 – $22
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $20$13 – $28
- Apples (1 kg) $4.56$2.20 – $8.80
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.79$1.52 – $2.54
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.13$2.20 – $7.72
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.73$2.20 – $6.61
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.98$1.32 – $5.49
- Onions (1 kg) $2.49$1.98 – $3.95
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.17$1.59 – $3.50
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.27$1.00 – $3.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $15$9.00 – $22
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.18$1.43 – $2.86
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.10$2.00 – $5.99
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $12$10 – $13
Public Transport & Car Costs in San-Diego
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.50 | $2.50 – $2.75 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $72 | $60 – $100 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.00 | $3.00 – $3.80 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.06 | $2.05 – $3.11 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $28 | $28 – $33 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.38 | $1.19 – $1.60 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,998 | $30,000 – $36,998 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,898 | $25,634 – $26,030 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.50$2.50 – $2.75
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $72$60 – $100
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.00$3.00 – $3.80
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.06$2.05 – $3.11
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $28$28 – $33
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.38$1.19 – $1.60
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,998$30,000 – $36,998
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,898$25,634 – $26,030
Utility & Internet Costs in San-Diego
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $250 | $180 – $600 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $69 | $30 – $140 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $83 | $52 – $120 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $250$180 – $600
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $69$30 – $140
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $83$52 – $120
Childcare & Preschool in San-Diego
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $2,008 | $1,705 – $2,800 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $36,281 | $25,000 – $46,500 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $2,008$1,705 – $2,800
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $36,281$25,000 – $46,500
Clothing Prices in San-Diego
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $67 | $41 – $100 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $57 | $45 – $90 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $109 | $75 – $140 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $131 | $75 – $200 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $67$41 – $100
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $57$45 – $90
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $109$75 – $140
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $131$75 – $200
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in San-Diego
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $61 | $30 – $129 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $25 | $0.00 – $35 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $17 | $15 – $20 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $61$30 – $129
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $25$0.00 – $35
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $17$15 – $20
Restaurant Prices in San-Diego
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $24 | $15 – $40 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $94 | $75 – $200 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $15 | $13 – $20 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $8.00 | $6.00 – $12 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $10 | $8.00 – $12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.91 | $4.00 – $9.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.15 | $2.59 – $5.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.62 | $2.00 – $3.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $24$15 – $40
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $94$75 – $200
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $15$13 – $20
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $8.00$6.00 – $12
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $10$8.00 – $12
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.91$4.00 – $9.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.15$2.59 – $5.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.62$2.00 – $3.00
Salaries & Mortgages in San-Diego
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,365 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.41% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $5,365
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.41%
Compare San-Diego with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
San-Francisco
Monthly / 1 person
$3,472
vs NYC
78.9/100
United States
San-Jose
Monthly / 1 person
$3,533
vs NYC
80.3/100
United States
Los-Angeles
Monthly / 1 person
$3,410
vs NYC
77.5/100
United States
Boston
Monthly / 1 person
$3,397
vs NYC
77.2/100
United States
Irvine
Monthly / 1 person
$3,183
vs NYC
72.3/100
United States
New-York
Monthly / 1 person
$3,777
vs NYC
85.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in San-Diego?
- An estimated $3,480 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in San-Diego. A family of four needs around $6,854 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,987.
- How much money do I need to live in San-Diego?
- Plan for at least $3,480 per month as a single person, $6,854 per month for a family of four, or $1,987 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to San-Diego.
- What is the average rent in San-Diego?
- A one-bedroom apartment in San-Diego rents for around $3,332 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $5,258 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in San-Diego?
- The average monthly net salary in San-Diego is around $5,365. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 62% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in San-Diego?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in San-Diego costs around $24. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $102 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.24/L) and bread ($4.89/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in San-Diego?
- A monthly public transport pass in San-Diego costs around $72. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in San-Diego?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in San-Diego costs around $83 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.