What Salary Do You Need to Live in San Diego, CA?
To live comfortably in San Diego, a household needs to earn roughly $105,000/year. That's about $8,750/month before taxes.
The Number: $105,000/year
At $105,000 per year, a household in San Diego can afford median-priced rental housing at roughly 28% of gross income.
This is based on San Diego's median monthly rent of $2,414 and the 28% housing guideline. Source: Census ACS 2024.
San Diego at a Glance
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
For Single Residents
A single person can live comfortably in San Diego on roughly $70,000/year. That's about $5,833/month before taxes.
Salary Questions About San Diego
The median monthly rent is $2,414. Using the 30% guideline, you need about $97,000/year to afford this comfortably.
The median home price is $980,700. With a 20% down payment, you would need roughly $196,140 saved and a household income to support the mortgage payments.
The median household income is $111,032/year. Our recommended salary of $105,000/year is near the median, reflecting a comfortable (not extravagant) standard of living.