Is San Diego expensive to live in?
Median income: $79,685. Median rent: $2,100. Median home price: $780,000.
Relocation guide · California
Moving to San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA city guide. Population is 1,386,932. Median household income is $79,685. Median rent is $2,100.
Median Rent
$2,100/mo
Median Income
$79,685
State Tax
9.3%
Population
1,386,932
Cost of living
What you'll spend in San Diego
Median income: $79,685. Median rent: $2,100. Median home price: $780,000.
Median Rent/mo
$2,100
Median Home Price
$780,000
Median Income
$79,685
Rent-to-Income
32%
Taxes
Your tax situation in California
State tax rate: 9.3%. Local tax rate: 7.75%.
State Income Tax
9.30%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate
Weather in San Diego
Average high: 70°F. Average low: 55°F. Annual rainfall: 12 inches. Sunny days: 266.
Avg High Temp
70°F
Avg Low Temp
55°F
Sunny Days/yr
266
Annual Rainfall
12"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to San Diego
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare San Diego with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to San Diego
What is the average rent in San Diego?
The median rent in San Diego is $2,100/month. Median home price is $780,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does California have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 9.3%. Local tax rate: 7.75%.
What is San Diego known for?
San Diego, CA city guide. Population is 1,386,932. Median household income is $79,685. Median rent is $2,100.
What should I know before moving to San Diego?
Research neighborhoods carefully — San Diego has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.