Living in San Diego, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Diego · Census data 2020–2024
San Diego has 1,389,526 residents with a median age of 36.2. The median household income is $108,077 (9% higher than the California median), the median home value is $906,700, the median rent is $2,313/month.
San Diego at a glance
- Population
- 1,389,526
- Median age
- 36.2State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $108,077State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $906,700State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,313/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 47.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 51%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is San Diego a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 9% higher than the California median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 6%; a poverty rate of 11%.
Cons: Home values 23% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June–July and September–October.
Cost of living in San Diego
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Diego the median home value is $906,700, 173% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,313 per month, which is 32.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $3,252 a month in housing costs.
San Diego median household income
The median household income in San Diego is $108,077 and the income per person is $57,083. 11% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Diego: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 568,668
- Owner-occupied
- 47.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 52.7%
- Vacant
- 6.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1979
- Average household size
- 2.52
San Diego demographics
- Population
- 1,389,526
- Median age
- 36.2
- Under 18
- 18.4%
- 65 and older
- 14.6%
- Households
- 530,412
- Foreign-born
- 25.1%
- Veterans
- 6.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Diego ›
Education in San Diego
51% of adults 25 and older in San Diego have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 21.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Diego
- Unemployment rate
- 6%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 21.2%
- Drive alone
- 62.6%
- Public transit
- 2.7%
- Walk to work
- 3.4%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.2%
San Diego vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 1,389,526 | $108,077 | $906,700 | $2,313 |
| La Mesa | 60,797 | $95,028 | $812,000 | $2,049 |
| Santee | 59,332 | $113,394 | $727,200 | $2,250 |
| Lemon Grove | 27,686 | $88,009 | $705,400 | $1,893 |
| El Cajon | 104,449 | $67,511 | $681,700 | $1,856 |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix | 19,765 | $125,107 | $952,400 | $1,973 |
| Bostonia | 16,765 | $78,878 | $487,600 | $2,087 |
| La Presa | 34,962 | $93,479 | $629,700 | $1,852 |
| Eucalyptus Hills | 5,840 | $144,140 | $857,200 | $1,408 |
More for people moving to San Diego
San Diego ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in San Diego: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Diego, CA?
The median household income in San Diego is $108,077, 9% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego is $906,700, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Diego?
The median gross rent in San Diego is $2,313 per month, about 32.4% of household income.
Is San Diego, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 9% higher than the California median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 6%; a poverty rate of 11%. Minuses: home values 23% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in San Diego?
The median age in San Diego is 36.2 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Diego?
The average commute to work in San Diego is 24 minutes; 21.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Diego?
The unemployment rate in San Diego is 6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Diego?
51% of adults in San Diego have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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