Cost of Living in San Diego, California

San Diego has a population of about 1,389,526. The median household income is $108,077, median gross rent is $2,313/month, and the median home value is $906,700. Below is how San Diego compares to the US.

Median Gross Rent $2,313/mo 40% above the national median
Median Home Value $906,700 142% above the national median
Median Household Income $108,077 29% above the national median
Population 1,389,526

Is San Diego expensive to live in?

Compared with the national median, rent in San Diego is 40% above the national median and home values are 142% above the national median. Household income here is 29% above the national median. Monthly rent represents roughly 26% of the median annual household income, a rough affordability signal for renters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in San Diego?

The median gross rent in San Diego, California is $2,313 per month (US Census ACS).

What is the median home price in San Diego?

The median home value in San Diego is $906,700.

How much do people earn in San Diego?

The median household income in San Diego is $108,077 per year.

Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. Last updated 2026-07-11.