San Diego, CA, US
Perfect weather, beaches, and biotech — but you'll pay a premium for paradise.
Overview
San Diego is a city in CA with a population of 1,381,162. Perfect weather, beaches, and biotech — but you’ll pay a premium for paradise. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 266 sunny days a year.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
San Diego vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 9.3%
- Sales Tax: 7.8%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $82,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 1,381,162
Climate
- Sunny Days: 266/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 49°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: $850,000
- 1BR Rent: $2600/mo
Cost of Living
San Diego's cost of living index is 154.2 (US average = 100).
| Category | San Diego | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 154.2 | 100 | +54.2% |
| Housing | 234.5 | 100 | +134.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $850,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $3,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $566 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in San Diego:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $265 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $20 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $120 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $500 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
San Diego scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
San Diego has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 69°F | 49°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 64°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 67°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
San Diego faces the following natural hazards:
Fault systems with earthquake risk.
Wildfire risk in surrounding areas.
Frequent drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat in inland and desert regions.
Coastal and mountainous regions with frequent landslides.
Sierra Nevada with frequent avalanches.
Coastal tsunami risk.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 9.3%
- Sales Tax: 7.75%
- Property Tax: ~0.76% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in San Diego per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of San Diego is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA, US?
The cost of living index in San Diego is 154.2, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in San Diego?
The median home price in San Diego is $850,000. The housing index is 234.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego is approximately $2600/mo.
Does San Diego, CA have income tax?
San Diego is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 9.3%.
What is the climate like in San Diego?
San Diego enjoys approximately 266 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 49°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.