Cost of Living in San Diego, CA
Population: 1,385,061 • 2026 Data
$104,321
Median Household Income
+35% vs national
$2,223
Median Monthly Rent
+65% vs national
$848,500
Median Home Value
+150% vs national
5.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in San Diego
The median home value in San Diego, CA is $848,500. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $2,223, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,308.
Rent-to-income ratio: 25.6%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in San Diego, CA is $104,321. The unemployment rate stands at 5.6%, with a labor force of 788,942 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.