Cost of Living in San Diego
America’s Finest City; offers perfect weather and beaches, but comes with a "sunshine tax" on housing.
Moving abroad? The Wise account makes relocation easy.
£3,513
Average cost per month
Distribution of Expenses
Zoo fame & beach bonfires
Pacific coast & canyons
Defense/Biotech; laid-back
Cost of living breakdown for San Diego
Living costs in San Diego can vary. You can expect to spend around £3,513 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.
Housing
Standard of Living
Food & Drink
San Diego average costs for food and drink.
Salary & Services
San Diego average salaries and services.
Average living costs in San Diego
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £2,460.13 | £1,845.91 - £3,765.65 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £2,002.93 | £1,402.89 - £3,470.30 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £3,882.46 | £3,046.48 - £5,168.53 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £3,239.08 | £2,584.27 - £4,577.84 |
.png)
Cities in United States
Relocation made simple
Whatever you're relocating for, the Wise account is made to support you.
4.8★ on App Store 152k reviews
4.8★ on Google Play 1.3m reviews
Our smart app makes relocation easy
Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in San Diego depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £1,052 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £3,622. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £2,460 on average.
Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in San Diego costs £2. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £53.
The average monthly net salary (after tax) in San Diego is currently £3,961.
Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in San Diego costs approximately £18, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £69.
The estimated monthly cost of living in San Diego for a single person is £1,052, excluding rent.
For a family of four living in San Diego, the estimated monthly costs are £3,622, not including rent.
Rent prices in San Diego depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £2,460, compared to £2,003 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £3,882 in the centre and £3,239 in suburban areas.
Basic utilities in San Diego (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £185 per month. Internet access typically adds another £61.