Is Living in San Diego Expensive?Is Living in San Diego Expensive?
San Diego boasts an incredible quality of life with beautiful weather; however, its lifestyle comes at a significant cost.
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One of the greatest expenses is housing. Due to limited supplies in San Francisco's high demand market, prices have skyrocketed in recent years.
Other expenses to be expected in California are food, transportation and entertainment costs; residents also tend to pay higher taxes than average nationally.
Housing
San Diego is one of the country's premier locations, known for its sunny lifestyle, miles of coastline and robust economy – but that popularity comes with a price. San Diego costs more than average nationally in almost every major living category such as housing costs, utilities costs, food and transportation.
According to data provided by Apartment List, an average two-bedroom apartment in San Diego costs an estimated monthly rent of $2,566 – nearly 15% higher than its counterpart nationally.
Homebuyers in San Diego face stiff competition as prices increase faster than most parts of Southern California, making it hard for many to meet mortgage lender recommendations that they spend no more than 30 percent of their income on housing. A financial adviser can assist in assessing whether homeownership goals are realistic in your new city.
Food
San Diego neighborhoods often boast high rent prices, while overall cost of living rates in line with national norms. Residents pay significantly for housing as well as food, gas and utilities costs.
San Diego, the coastal city, is famous for its seafood and Mexican cuisine. With its vibrant culinary scene featuring design-centric farm-to-table restaurants and convivial pizza joints, dining out for two is estimated to cost approximately $80 in this city.
An adult living alone and employed full time will spend an estimated annual food budget of $4,686, including grocery costs and dining out expenses. San Diego households tend to devote more of their budget towards dining out than elsewhere in the U.S.
Transportation
Renters should consider the costs associated with driving a vehicle in San Diego when making financial plans; renters should factor in payments, insurance premiums and slightly higher than average gas prices; commuters must factor in parking fees which can reach $150 monthly in certain locations.
San Diego boasts more small farms than any other US county, offering residents fresh produce at lower costs than anywhere else in America. On average, San Diego residents spend $291 every month on groceries.
Utility costs can vary significantly based on the size and usage patterns of your home, and how often electricity, gas, and water are utilized – for instance a large family will use more energy and water than someone living alone. Furthermore, internet and phone service must also be considered when considering utility expenses.
Entertainment
San Diego's beachfront communities provide free and enjoyable ways to spend time outside. Surfing along 70 miles of coastline is the ideal way to unwind; or enjoy Baja-style fish tacos with local craft beer while gazing upon the sunset.
Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge provides bird watchers with an opportunity to see some 400 year-round species, making the city famous for its pleasant climate and weather.
San Diegans love taking advantage of nature and living an easygoing lifestyle compared to Los Angeles' hectic pace. However, living in San Diego does come with some additional expenses, so it's wise to plan ahead before moving there. A general guideline should be to keep housing costs below 30 % of salary – many neighborhoods offer affordable rentals – North Park has one-bedroom apartments for an average monthly rent of $2238!