CostCompass

CitiesTripMapCompareBlogSettings

CostCompass

Compare cost of living across cities worldwide. Plan your trip, relocation, or remote work destination with real data.

Explore
All CitiesCompare CitiesTrip Calculator
Regions
North AmericaEuropeAsiaSouth America

Data updated: Sep 1, 2026© 2026 CostCompass. All rights reserved. Prices scraped weekly from local sources and may contain occasional inaccuracies.
Cities/San Diego

San Diego

United States

A laid-back coastal city with near-perfect weather, world-class surf, and a renowned zoo. Offers a relaxed SoCal lifestyle with a strong military and biotech presence.

Population: 1.4M
Net salary: $ 3 702/mo
Avg. Temp: 17°C
Area: 964 km²
USD
CompareCalculator
84
Very Affordable

#36 of 250

97% below average

Est. Monthly Cost

$ 3 555

Based on NYC = 100 index

San Diego is expensive

San Diego is the 36. most expensive of the 250 cities we track — a month here comes to $ 3 555.

Most of that goes on housing, which runs 210% above the median city and adds $ 1 552 a month: 1br apartment (city center) $ 2 550, 1br apartment (outside center) $ 2 035. It is also pricier than usual for basic grocery basket, restaurants.

Percentages compare this city against the median of all tracked cities, category by category.

San Diego in the news


Compare With Other Cities

Similar destinations to explore

Expensive#34

Boston

United States

Cost Index
84
Similar cost
Expensive#40

Los Angeles

United States

Cost Index
82
2% cheaper
Expensive#27

San Francisco

United States

Cost Index
89
6% more expensive
Average#46

Miami

United States

Cost Index
77
8% cheaper

Cost Breakdown

Monthly average costs by category

Housing

$ 2 293

per month

Basic Grocery Basket

$ 311

per month

Restaurants

$ 383

per month

Transportation

$ 128

per month

Utilities

$ 236

per month

Entertainment

$ 98

per month

Healthcare

$ 80

per month

Clothing

$ 28

per month