Everything You Need To Know Before Moving To San Diego

San Diego

San Diego is a gorgeous coastal city found in Southern California. The beautiful landscapes overlooking valleys and ocean views offer some of the most incredible selection of real estate on the West Coast. This picturesque paradise has plenty to offer including pristine beaches, luxury homes and highly ranked schools as part of the San Diego Lifestyle. 

All of the beauty and luxury amenities that come with living in San Diego are acquired at a price. San Diego residents pay an average of 36 percent higher than the national average when it comes to expenses such as housing, groceries, and transportation. This means that buying a home, car, or even just getting around the city will cost you more than other major metropolitan cities across the United States.

This article will cover what living expenses will look like for San Diego locals and potential residents in 2023. We’ll cover housing, utilities, leisure activities, and other staple expenses. If you’re looking to move to San Diego any time soon, have a look at these numbers to find out if San Diego is the right fit for you!

Housing

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the housing market has not diminished in the slightest. In fact, home values have skyrocketed all over the country and buyers are competing for their bid at a dwindling inventory. This has caused some major increases to the San Diego real estate market including the cost of a home, rent, and property taxes. 

Homeownership

Owning a home in San Diego in 2023 is no small expense. There are a wide variety of housing styles to choose from in the city, some more affordable than others, but even still, the average cost of a home in 2023 is predicted to be around $812,100. 

Rent

Renting is a popular choice among San Diego locals. Depending on the neighborhood, potential residents can find a wide range of homes to fit all budgets. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of City Center averages around $2,195 per month while the same size apartment outside of that region is closer to $1,730 per month. 

Utilities

When it comes to basic utilities (this includes electricity, heating and cooling, water, and garbage) the average cost per month in San Diego is $143.17. This is the typical cost for a small, one-bedroom apartment. To include Internet in your home is usually about $65.53 per month. This will generally get you unlimited usage at a relatively fast pace. 

Fitness & Entertainment

There’s so much to see and do in San Diego, no matter where you live! There’s always a flurry of activity going on in the Downtown core to suit all interests, plenty of local restaurants and shops to explore, and lively music, theater, and sporting events to take in. 

Many San Diego locals opt to get out in the fresh air when it comes to fitness, jogging in one of the many neighborhood parks or exploring beautiful hiking trails, but for those who prefer to remain active indoors, there are plenty of gyms and fitness centers to join. The average cost of a gym membership in San Diego is a monthly fee of $42.57. 

A trip to the cinema may be just what you need to enjoy a relaxing evening on the weekend after a long week of work. Checking out the latest flick will cost approximately $14.50 at any San Diego movie venue. 

Other Expenses

Of course, there’s more to the cost of living than just housing and entertainment. There are plenty of smaller details that add up quickly on a monthly budget. 

Transportation

There are numerous ways to get around the city of San Diego. Whether you own your own vehicle, take a taxi, or ride the city bus, there’s always a way to get from Point A to Point B. 

Let’s take a look at some of the numbers when it comes to traveling in and around San Diego:

  • Gas – It’s not uncommon for gas prices to sit around $4 per gallon.
  • Public Transit – A single person could spend around $4,900 per year on public transit while a family should budget around $11,185 per year.
  • Car Ownership – The majority of San Diego locals do not own a car, but those that do average around $11,696 per year to make car payments and include insurance.
  • Ride Share Programs – Using programs such as Uber or Lyft will cost around $19,124 per year.

Food

In the last year, the cost of groceries has gone up all over the country. San Diego is no different. The cost for groceries in the city is roughly 7 percent higher than the national average. Locals typically spend around $290 per month on groceries. 

When it comes to eating out, most San Diego residents spend about $162 at restaurants every month. This accounts for about half of their meals, with the rest being spent on groceries. 

Even though San Diego is a costly city to live in, there are ways to save money. For example, you can opt for a rental over purchasing a home, cook at home more often, and take advantage of local discounts. By budgeting wisely and being mindful of your spending habits, you can comfortably live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country!

We hope you enjoyed reading Living That San Diego Lifestyle In 2022: Living Costs And Expenses. For additional tips and advice, be sure to check out our post on House Hunting Tips for First-Time Home Buyers for more additional tips!


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