San Diego, California has an overall cost of living index of 114.6, which is 14.6 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,223 per month, while the typical home is valued around $848,500. Households earn a median of $104,321 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 84. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$104,321
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,223
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$848,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
114.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,288
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,459
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$3,001
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,998
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
114.6
Goods
108.0
Rents / Housing
183.9
Services
166.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $152,270 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $133,790 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $91,760 |
| ⚡Electrician | $77,410 |
| 📊Accountant | $98,740 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
1,385,061
Latest estimate
Median Age
36 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
84.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for San Diego?
San Diego has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 114.6. The US national average is 100, so San Diego is 14.6 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in San Diego?
The median gross rent in San Diego is $2,223 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in San Diego?
The median household income in San Diego is $104,321 per year.
What is the median home value in San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego is $848,500 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in San Diego?
San Diego has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 84.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in San Diego?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology