What is the cost of living in San Diego?

The cost of living index for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 111.9 (2024), versus a US average of 100 (+11.9%). Scores over 100 mean everyday life is more expensive than the national average.

How is this different from CPI?

CPI tracks how prices change over time. This cost of living index compares price levels across places in a given year versus the national average of 100, including housing, groceries & goods, and everyday services.

How should I use this with local salaries?

Pair local salary medians (May 2025) with this index. A $90,000 salary at US-average prices maps to about $100,710 in San Diego for the same standard of living.

Does this include taxes or housing alone?

No. The overall index is a broad price-level measure. Everyday expense breakdowns show housing, groceries & goods, and services separately, but this is not a rent quote, tax estimate, or household budget.

Cost of living index, San Diego

111.9

How expensive daily life is vs the US average of 100 (2024).

San Diego sits about 11.9% above national prices.

Local salary guide, May 2025, as of May 15, 2026. Cost of living index, 2024. Sources stay in methodology · disclaimer.

Cost of living (111.9): +11.9% vs US
Metro: San Diego
Area code: 41740

San Diego’s cost of living index is 111.9 (2024), about 11.9% above US-average prices. Housing & rent sits at 179.3, about 79.3% above the national housing index, and usually explains most of a metro’s price gap. A $90,000 salary at national prices maps to about $100,710 here for the same standard of living.

Everyday expenses in San Diego

Everyday expense	San Diego	US avg
Overall cost of living	111.9	100
Groceries & goods	108.0	100
Housing & rent	179.3	100
Everyday services	99.6	100

Cost of living index 2024, US average = 100.

Index vs US average of 100. Bars scaled to 180; the vertical mark is the national average.

What a US-average salary buys in San Diego

At US average	In San Diego
$60,000	$67,140
$90,000	$100,710
$150,000	$167,850

Target salary here = national salary × (111.9 ÷ 100). Index year 2024.

Compare a move from San Diego

Top wages here

FAQ

What is the cost of living in San Diego?: The cost of living index for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 111.9 (2024), versus a US average of 100 (+11.9%). Scores over 100 mean everyday life is more expensive than the national average.
How is this different from CPI?: CPI tracks how prices change over time. This cost of living index compares price levels across places in a given year versus the national average of 100, including housing, groceries & goods, and everyday services.
How should I use this with local salaries?: Pair local salary medians (May 2025) with this index. A $90,000 salary at US-average prices maps to about $100,710 in San Diego for the same standard of living.
Does this include taxes or housing alone?: No. The overall index is a broad price-level measure. Everyday expense breakdowns show housing, groceries & goods, and services separately, but this is not a rent quote, tax estimate, or household budget.

What this covers

Includes

Cost of living index for everyday expenses (housing, groceries & goods, services)
Local salary guide: median pay, typical pay range, and jobs in the field where published
Target salary math so you keep the same standard of living after a move
Approximate single-filer state income tax take-home on compare pages (see rate sources on the page)

Does not include

Local city taxes, credits, filing-status variants, or tax advice
Childcare, healthcare premiums, or leave benefits
Job openings. “Local jobs in field” is how many people work in the role, not hiring demand

Technical source names (RPP, OEWS) and formulas live on the methodology page.

Highest wages here

See methodology and disclaimer.