San Diego, California has an overall cost of living index of 110.7, which is 10.7 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,313 per month, while the typical home is valued around $906,700. Households earn a median of $108,077 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 59. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$108,077
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,313
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$906,700
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
110.7
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
110.7
Goods
102.2
Rents / Housing
185.8
Services
158.3
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $157,860 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $139,350 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $86,960 |
| ⚡Electrician | $82,400 |
| 📊Accountant | $104,740 |
| 🔧Plumber | $74,940 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $277,840 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $116,680 |
| 👔Operations Manager | N/A |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $94,230 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $169,580 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $59,040 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $173,930 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
1,389,526
Latest estimate
Median Age
36.2 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
59.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
59
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$2,865
Per month
Avg Home Value
$978,900
Census ACS
January Avg
57°F
July Avg
72°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Dry/Arid · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
32.0
poor
Hospitals
9
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
94.2%
What is the cost of living index for San Diego?
San Diego has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 110.7. The US national average is 100, so San Diego is 10.7 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in San Diego?
The median gross rent in San Diego is $2,313 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 $108,077 per year.
What is the median home value in San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego is $906,700 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 59.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in San Diego?
Tax data for California is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
