Is the cost of living in San Diego your biggest concern when it comes to relocating to America’s Finest City? We heard the same rumors but decided to rely on numbers and solid data to get the bigger picture. Beach towns have always been notorious for their expensive lifestyle, but the fact that they draw so many people every year tells us that it’s still doable to live and work in these high-end communities.
How Much Should I Save Before Moving to San Diego?
If moving to San Diego is on your mind, it’s perfectly reasonable to wonder about the cost of living in San Diego and the amount of money needed for day-to-day living.
Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in the sunny state of California, this place is widely known as America’s Finest City, and there are many good reasons for that. And with such a reputation, you probably think that life here is everything but affordable. If you are moving from a small town to a big city like this one with almost 1.5 million residents, the cost of living may startle you at first, but know there’s more to it that a bunch of seemingly high numbers.
However, if you’re moving out of state on a budget, you should try to cut the costs of moving or packing services by doing some things by yourself and selling stuff you know you won’t need. Keep in mind that there will always be some unpredictable expenses and things you’ll have to buy (perhaps you will have to rent storage?), so make sure you have some money aside for those situations.
The Cost of Living in San Diego, California
We already mentioned that around 1.5 million people are living in San Diego, but that’s only the population of people in the city’s core area. It is estimated that the metropolitan area has more than 3 million residents, including many more affordable communities for those who are looking for the best neighborhoods in San Diego on a budget.
Since the most significant part of the budget will be spent on housing, it is clear that the average cost of living in San Diego depends a lot on the location you choose. If you want to stay close to its pristine beaches, prepare for sky-high rents and home prices, which we’ll get to in a moment.
What Is the Average Income in San Diego?
This is a place where a lot of things revolve around tourism, and for many, working in this industry is the way to make enough money and pay their bills on time. But there are also a lot of other job opportunities in manufacturing, military, biotechnology, hospitality, and entertainment. There are several things to consider when relocating for a job, and the most important one is: will your paycheck last until the next month?
Therefore, you need to consider all aspects carefully. What salary do you need to live in San Diego? It is hard to tell. It depends mainly on your habits and preferred lifestyle. But what we can tell you is that according to Numbeo, a website that analyzes expenses in cities across the world, the average net monthly salary is $5,670 after taxes.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Diego per Year?
America’s Finest City has high standards, and therefore the expenses here are actually higher than the Californian and national average. You can find an online calculator to get the latest data on the costs. However, according to Numbeo, a single person needs around $1,375 per month without rent. The rent for an average one-bedroom apartment goes between $2,780 and $2,300, depending on the location. Based on that, you can get a better picture of how much you’ll spend on a monthly and yearly level in this place.
The Cost of Housing in San Diego
We already mentioned that the prices here are quite high and that your rent will certainly be your biggest headache by the end of every month, but that does not have to be the rule. If you are moving to a city alone, you can always find a roommate to cut the costs in half. That will significantly impact your budget and help you save up some money until you find a better-paid job or a more affordable place to rent. Although Downtown is the place where everything happens and where you can find so many unique things to do in San Diego, if staying there will break your bank, don’t do it.
Where to Find Affordable Accommodation
We introduced you to the rents in the very center, but of course, there is life and many more options outside of it. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the center goes for around $2,300, which is almost $500 cheaper than rent in the center.
Those who are relocating with their family and looking for more rooms can find a three-bedroom apartment outside of the center for around $4,200. The difference, in this case, is significant because the same apartment would cost $500 more in the center. Of course, there are always some things to consider when moving to the suburbs, but if you are on a budget, make sure to check out neighborhoods such as Imperial Beach, Sante, Oceanside, Chula Vista, and El Cajon.
How Much You’ll Have to Spend on Food and Groceries?
Everyone knows that the best way to save money on food is to stay at home and prepare your own meals. The prices of basic groceries here are similar to the national average, so if you know how to cook, we highly recommend you do that. You will easily find plenty of fresh and locally-grown ingredients and foods around here.
Dining out is another side of the story, and prices tend to vary depending on the type of meal you prefer. Of course, you can always go out once a week to treat yourself; a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around $22, which is reasonable. If you are looking for more romantic things to do in San Diego, you and your significant other can explore some of the best restaurants in San Diego, but prepare to pay significantly more.
How High Are the Taxes in San Diego?
The Golden State is generally known for high taxes, and in its Finest City, it also has high penalties for those who avoid paying them. The combined sales tax rate here is 7.75%. However, the property tax is lower than the national average, so if you are looking to purchase a property and settle here for a while, this goes in your favor. To check how high your taxes will be, use an online income tax calculator to get an idea of it.
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Read moreHow Expensive Is Fuel and Public Transportation?
If you’re not willing to sell your car and move without it, you should take into consideration how much car shipping can cost. Of course, the cheapest way to ship a car is not necessarily the best one, so pay attention to who you’re going to hire to do the auto transport for you.
Gasoline is a bit expensive here, but that is the situation in the entire Golden State – you can expect to pay $5 per gallon. But driving a car can be convenient, especially if you are settling in the suburbs.
On the other hand, public transportation here is quite good; everything works well, and you can choose between buses and trains or use pedicabs and trolleys when around Downtown. The bus network is well-developed, and it covers almost the entire county, allowing you to explore the whole area for a small price.
What are Other Costs in San Diego You Should Consider?
When moving to San Diego, it’s essential to factor in all expenses beyond just housing and transportation. Living in this vibrant city often comes with costs related to utilities, which can vary depending on your lifestyle. These are important to consider as part of your overall budget. While San Diego offers an incredible quality of life, being mindful of these other costs will help ensure a smoother transition and financial stability after your move.
The Internet and Utilities
How much are utilities per month in San Diego? The basic package of utilities that includes electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 900sqft apartment will be around $140 per month. How much is monthly internet in San Diego? The internet is extra, and you will be able to find a good deal for approximately $70 monthly, but make sure to research all the providers and deals they are offering. There are usually promo deals for bundles that combine home phone and Wi-Fi or TV for those who are looking to get all services from the same provider.
Miscellaneous Expenses
When your hometown is a place with so many options for entertainment and outdoor activities, you can’t just neglect them or avoid them. Of course, there are so many fun things you can do for free. Just sitting on the beach and enjoying the ocean view is probably the most significant advantage of residing in a coastal town, and it is free. But if you’re looking for something more, there’s a price.
Comparing Prices in Sandi With Other CA Cities
Don’t let the numbers scare you, because our next chart might be a pleasant surprise. When compared to other cities in California, this city is not as expensive as it may seem at first glance. High salaries are the most significant advantage of SD. If you don’t want to live in a crowded place such as Los Angeles or San Francisco, but you still want to experience that beach town California lifestyle, you couldn’t pick a better place. To get a bigger picture, we’ve consulted Numbeo, so let’s check the differences and between the capital, Sacramento, and other places in the state.
| Location | Basic Monthly Utilities | Rent Per Month 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | Rent Per Month 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | Buy Apartment Price Price per Square in City Center | Buy Apartment Price Price per Square Outside of Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | $320 | $2,790 | $2,300 | $900 | $680 |
| Los Angeles | $185 | $2,560 | $2,170 | $730 | $670 |
| San Francisco | $260 | $3,100 | $2,700 | $1,170 | $1,170 |
Is Relocating to San Diego Expensive?
We all know that long-distance moving services can be pricey. This is especially try if it is a long-distance move. But if you avoid making moving mistakes and do your research, we are sure you’ll find reputable San Diego movers who have just the right deal for you. That’s where the Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving team comes into play.
Our long-distance moving company is here to provide you with exceptional cross-country relocation services. Not only do we offer packing service, but as a reputable car shipping company, we provide auto transport services. We offer transparent relocation quotes that don’t come with hidden fees.
Our auto transport company also offers bundle deals, so you will be able to save up during your cross country moving process. Just give our long-distance movers a call, book your move, and enjoy the stress-free relocation process.