The cost of living in San Diego is among the highest in the US. MIT’s 2026 model puts one adult in the San Diego metro at $68,389 a year before tax, and a solo renter paying the average one-bedroom rent of about $2,262 should plan for roughly $4,550 to $5,300 a month.
Quick answer
Zillow shows an average rent of $3,004 and an average home value of $980,490 for San Diego (30 September 2026). The 30% rent rule of thumb suggests about $90,500 a year gross for a $2,262 one-bedroom. Figures were checked in October 2026.
Cost of living in San Diego at a glance
MIT’s Living Wage model (updated February 2026) prices a basic budget for one adult with no children in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metro:
| Category | Per year | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $27,597 | $2,300 |
| Transportation | $9,308 | $776 |
| Food | $4,487 | $374 |
| Medical | $3,243 | $270 |
| Internet and mobile | $1,536 | $128 |
| Other necessities | $4,992 | $416 |
| Civic | $3,876 | $323 |
| After-tax total | $55,040 | $4,587 |
The pre-tax equivalent is $68,389 a year, or $32.88 an hour.
Rent in San Diego
| Home size | Average asking rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,818 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,262 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,155 |
| 3 bedrooms | $4,249 |
Rentometer, 24 October 2026, all property types. Prices differ by neighbourhood, and new listings often cost more than existing leases. Compare nearby Chula Vista if you want to see how a neighbouring city stacks up.
Buying a home in San Diego
Zillow’s average home value of $980,490 means a large down payment and high monthly payments. Add property tax, insurance and maintenance to the mortgage before comparing it with rent.
Transportation
MIT budgets $9,308 a year (about $776 a month) for transportation, which reflects how many residents drive. Since 1 October 2026 the San Diego MTS adult fare is $3 a ride and the adult monthly pass is $85, up from $72, according to Times of San Diego. A further rise is planned for fall 2027. Low-income riders can apply for the PRONTO LIFE program.
Food, healthcare and other costs
MIT allows $374 a month for food and $270 a month for medical costs for one adult. Internet and mobile come to about $128 a month. For grocery detail, see our San Diego grocery guide.
Sample monthly budget for a solo renter
| Category | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom) | $2,262 |
| Transportation | $776 |
| Food | $374 |
| Medical | $270 |
| Internet and mobile | $128 |
| Other necessities | $416 |
| Civic | $323 |
| Total | About $4,549 |
Using Zillow’s $3,004 average rent instead lifts the total to about $5,291. Taxes and savings are not included.
Income needed in San Diego
| Household | MIT hourly living wage |
|---|---|
| 1 adult, no children | $32.88 |
| 1 adult, 1 child | $56.73 |
| 2 working adults, 2 children | $37.61 each |
These are basic-needs floors, so they leave little room for savings.
How to save money in San Diego
- Share a two-bedroom (average $3,155) to cut rent per person.
- Live near a trolley or bus line to reduce driving costs.
- Look inland or south toward Chula Vista for lower asking rents.
- Compare with Los Angeles before deciding.
Is San Diego worth the cost?
Zillow average rent is $3,004 in San Diego against $2,772 in Los Angeles (September 2026), so San Diego is the pricier of the two for renters. Whether it is worth it depends on your job, commute and lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in San Diego
How much does it cost to live in San Diego per month?
A solo renter paying about $2,262 for a one-bedroom needs roughly $4,550 a month once MIT-modelled transport, food, medical, phone and other costs are added. Using Zillow’s $3,004 average rent lifts it to about $5,300.
What is the average rent in San Diego?
Rentometer lists about $1,818 for a studio, $2,262 for a one-bedroom, $3,155 for a two-bedroom and $4,249 for a three-bedroom in October 2026. Zillow shows an all-home average of $3,004.
How much do you need to earn to live in San Diego?
MIT puts a single adult at $32.88 an hour, or $68,389 a year before tax, for basic needs in the San Diego metro. At a $2,262 rent, the 30% rule of thumb points to about $90,500 a year.
How much is public transit in San Diego?
Times of San Diego reports that from 1 October 2026 the MTS adult fare is $3 a ride and the adult monthly pass is $85. Low-income riders can apply for PRONTO LIFE.
Is San Diego more expensive than Los Angeles?
Zillow average rent is $3,004 in San Diego and $2,772 in Los Angeles (September 2026). MIT puts a single adult at $32.88 an hour in San Diego against $30.79 in the Los Angeles area.
Sources
- MIT Living Wage Calculator, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad (updated February 2026)
- Rentometer, average rent in San Diego, CA (24 October 2026)
- Zillow, San Diego home values and rents (30 September 2026)
- Times of San Diego, MTS and NCTD fares rise Oct. 1
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