When you tell someone you live in San Diego, California, it’s not uncommon to hear an envious comment about the city’s perfect weather and beautiful beaches. Yes, San Diego has a sunny reputation, but let’s explore the city further and weigh some of its pros and cons.
What Is Living in San Diego Like?
“When I try to describe San Diego to people, I say we’re not really a city; we’re a collection of villages,” says Gerry Burchard, Broker with Burchard & Associates and a longtime local. From coastal La Jolla to hip North Park, each neighborhood in San Diego is its own unique pearl with its own amenities and culture.
Because of this, there is more than one way to live in San Diego. Still, people here tend to share a love of the outdoors, an appreciation for diverse cultures and, of course, an appetite for Mexican food.
Fast Facts About San Diego, CA
| Population | 1.38M |
| Median Home Value | $905,300 |
| Median Household Income | $100,010 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% |
Why San Diego Is Known as America’s Finest City
A former mayor, Pete Wilson, popularized the slogan after San Diego was dubbed “one of America’s finest cities” by Look magazine. Perhaps it was a nod to the city’s stunning geography, bold attractions and proud residents. Today, sites like the San Diego Zoo and the Padres’ Petco Park win frequent awards. Additionally, day-to-day life can include walks on the beach or visiting a new brewery.
The Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego
Living in San Diego has its benefits and drawbacks, just like any other place. If you wonder if moving to San Diego is right for you, consider these pros and cons.
Advantages: Weather, Lifestyle and Activities
- Weather: San Diego’s moderate climate is the siren song drawing people to the city. Of course, the beaches are more crowded on hot summer days. However, the weather generally doesn’t stop locals from enjoying the outdoors any time of year.
- Lifestyle: San Diego has neighborhoods for every kind of lifestyle. The city offers walkable communities, suburban enclaves and even places with a more rural atmosphere.
- Activities: From Padres games to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, America’s Finest City has world-class attractions. In day-to-day life, locals enjoy premier parks, comprehensive shopping and diverse dining and nightlife.
Challenges: High Cost of Living, Traffic and Wildfires
- Cost of living: San Diegans pay top dollar for housing and other necessities like gas. Though some of the best things about the city are free, buying a home is a bigger challenge here than in most parts of the country.
- Traffic and limited public transportation: The city is very spread out, meaning locals are extremely car-dependent. Traffic during rush hour is a guarantee, and public transportation isn’t always convenient.
- Wildfires: Though San Diego doesn’t get the kinds of tornadoes and hurricanes that hit other regions, wildfires are a seasonal concern. Residents should always have an evacuation plan, especially in eastern San Diego County.
The Cost of Living in San Diego, CA
There’s no way around it: San Diego is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. According to Payscale, the cost of living in San Diego is 44% higher than the national average. Necessities like groceries and gas tend to be pricier here. People pay a premium for access to San Diego’s beaches, moderate climate and world-class amenities.
Housing Costs and Average Home Prices
San Diego’s expensive rental market motivates buyers. The median rental is above $3,000 per month, and home prices are escalating. U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that the median home value in San Diego is $905,300.
Prices are predictably higher on the coast, while several communities outside the city limits have lower median values. El Cajon’s median value is $657,000, while Chula Vista’s is $767,500.
San Diego Cost of Living Compared With Los Angeles and San Francisco
Median home values in large cities like Los Angeles are similar to what you’ll find in San Diego. However, homes in San Francisco are a bit more expensive.
- San Diego median home value: $905,300
- Los Angeles median home value: $903,700
- San Francisco median home value: $1.34 million
San Diegans and Angelenos share similar grocery and transportation bills. Meanwhile, San Franciscans tend to pay more for both necessities and dining out.
Lifestyle and Culture: Things to do in San Diego
Don’t be fooled by San Diego’s laid-back attitude; people here are highly active. Whether it’s summiting a mountain, taking in an art exhibit or cheering on the San Diego Padres, there’s an activity for every mood in America’s Finest City.
Outdoor Activities: From Sunny Beaches to the Cuyamaca Mountains
San Diegans live life outside, taking advantage of sunny days and ample outdoor activities.
What newcomers may not realize is that San Diego’s beaches each offer a different vibe. Highlights include:
- Coronado: This is where San Diegans take out-of-town visitors. Stroll down the beach and check out the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
- Pacific Beach: Popular with college students and 20-somethings, with a large seaside bar scene.
- Mission Beach: A family-friendly atmosphere, with a playground and even a roller coaster.
- Torrey Pines: This state park offers gorgeous cliffside hiking leading to a secluded beach.
One of the best parts of living in San Diego is its proximity to the beach and the mountains. On a clear day, Cowles Mountain offers views of downtown, the Pacific Ocean and even Tijuana.
San Diegans have little need for puffer jackets. However, locals love to dress up for a wintertime trip to Julian, a mountain town about an hour east. Spend the day hiking or shopping, and don’t forget to pick up a slice from Mom’s Pie House or Julian Pie Company. Each shop has an army of loyal fans, though you can’t go wrong either way.
Dining and Cuisine: A Taste of Local Mexican Food
San Diego has a diverse and celebrated dining scene, with nearly 20 Michelin-recognized restaurants. The city can satisfy nearly any craving. Mira Mesa offers Vietnamese and Filipino restaurants, while Little Italy features an upscale Italian scene.
That said, America’s Finest City is proudly known for its Mexican food. Locals know that the most unassuming taco shop can serve the best meal of your life. Delicacies here include fish tacos and the California Burrito, packed with carne asada and French fries.
- For a classic California Burrito, try Humberto’s.
- For fish tacos on the beach, try Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.
- For authentic Tijuana-style tacos, try Tacos El Gordo.
- For vegetarian/vegan options, try Pokez Mexican Restaurant or Tacotarian.
The city also has a huge craft beer culture, boasting more than 150 breweries. Beer fans can frequent nationwide names like Ballast Point or check out family-owned spots like Border X Brewing.
Arts, Entertainment and Events: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and Comic Con
Balboa Park is the city’s cultural hub, with 18 museums, a world-class theater and more than a dozen gardens. The Museum of Us offers exhibits on human culture, and the Old Globe offers Shakespeare under the stars.
Balboa Park is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo. You can see more than 650 species from all over the globe, including a pair of giant pandas.
Comic-Con tickets are hard to come by for a reason. Each summer, celebrities and entertainment industry bigwigs descend on San Diego to unveil new projects and share behind-the-scenes insights into beloved franchises. For attendees, dressing up is not only a custom but an art. Throughout the weekend, downtown San Diego can look like an alternate universe, where you might see Spider-Man and Barbie meeting for drinks with Sailor Moon.
Who Lives in San Diego, CA?
Everywhere you look, there’s evidence of San Diego’s rich cultural diversity. After all, the city is next door to Tijuana, Mexico.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home, with 21% speaking Spanish. Colorful murals at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan represent the city’s Mexican American history and community. Meanwhile, places like Old Town host large Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations.
San Diego’s population is younger than the national average, with a median age of 36.2. Military jobs and universities draw in young adults, and the city’s parks, schools and child-friendly attractions, like the famous San Diego Zoo, keep many young families in town.
Exploring San Diego’s Neighborhoods
San Diego has a myriad of diverse neighborhoods, and you can connect with a real estate agent to find your dream home. A few of the best places to live in San Diego are listed below.
Pacific Beach
Want to walk to the beach? Pacific Beach – or PB – may be the place for you. The area is known for its youthful vibe and a long stretch of bars and shops leading to the beach. Watch out for skateboarders and roller skaters on your way to the pier.
The Village of La Jolla
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most scenic and expensive real estate markets. Popular pastimes include kayaking through ocean coves, watching sea lions and perusing the shops throughout The Village. The neighborhood is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which has stunning views of the Pacific and a world-class collection.
Downtown San Diego
Though downtown San Diego is pricey, the area offers great walkability to restaurants, bars and entertainment. “I’m from San Francisco, and I still think that East Village, Little Italy and other parts of downtown are a great value when you consider all the factors,” Burchard says.
- East Village: Home to Petco Park and the San Diego Central Library, East Village is brimming with activity. “Most places require a car, but in East Village you don’t need it as much,” Burchard says. “You are basically three blocks to the Gaslamp, and then you cross the pedestrian bridge and then you’re on the marina.”
- Little Italy: Luxury condos and Italian restaurants define this neighborhood. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the city flocks to the Little Italy Mercato, the largest farmers market in San Diego.
Hillcrest
Hillcrest has a colorful urban landscape bordering Balboa Park and other trendy neighborhoods like North Park. The neighborhood is known as the city’s hub for LGBTQ+ life and hosts the annual San Diego Pride Parade and Festival.
What’s the Weather Like in San Diego
San Diego’s sunny days and moderate climate are a top selling point. Locals can expect temperatures in the low 70s almost year-round, and months can pass without a drop of rain. San Diegans dread the overcast skies that come with May Gray and June Gloom, though you’ll still find people on the beach most days of the year.
Temperatures can vary depending on how close you live to the water. East County communities in La Mesa or El Cajon can see temperatures in the 100s during the peak of summer. Coastal neighborhoods in Point Loma or La Jolla have a year-round marine layer that can make the mornings chilly.
Employment and Education in San Diego
San Diego is a great place to get an education, and the job market is diverse and strong. Though the cost of living is high, wages also tend to be higher. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the median household income in San Diego is $100,010, well above the national median of $74,580.
The Job Market: Key Industries and Employment Opportunities
Top industries in San Diego include:
- Health care and research: Thousands of San Diegans work in hospitals and medical research centers, including UC San Diego, Scripps Research and the Salk Institute.
- Technology: San Diego may not be Silicon Valley, but it has major tech companies like Qualcomm and an enormous biotech industry.
- Defense: The San Diego region has bases for the Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, as well as shipbuilding yards and defense contractors. The city’s veterans and active-duty service members have a huge influence on the culture here.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Diego’s unemployment rate is 3.6% less than the national average.
Education: School Districts and Higher Education Institutions
Within the city, most kids attend public schools within the San Diego Unified School District. The district offers magnet schools such as Longfellow Spanish Immersion School and the School of Creative and Performing Arts.
According to Niche, the top districts in the county are:
- San Dieguito Union High School District: The district has a stellar reputation in San Diego, especially for college preparedness. Niche ranks it the No. 2 district in California.
- Poway Unified School District: Located in northern San Diego County, this large and highly rated district is a primary draw for people moving to Poway.
- Coronado Unified School District: The Coronado School of the Arts, located within Coronado High School, offers six four-year conservancies in instrumental music, digital arts, theater and more.
After graduation, students can attend top-rated San Diego universities and community colleges. San Diego residents are highly educated. More than half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- The University of California, San Diego, is frequently ranked among the best public universities in the United States. It offers competitive programs in engineering and biology. The cherry on top? The school is just a mile and a half from La Jolla beaches.
- San Diego State University is an essential part of the city’s culture. More than 60% of SDSU students stay in town after graduation. Additionally, alums are found in local positions of power and in every industry.
- University of San Diego is a private option perched on a hilltop in Linda Vista. The Spanish Revival campus is a popular spot for photoshoots.
Making San Diego Your Home
San Diego offers a fun-filled life in the sun if you’re willing to pay for it. From the beaches to the mountains, there are outdoor activities for all and world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo.
Each San Diego neighborhood has its own identity, so it’s important to do some research and visit if you can. Life in suburban Scripps Ranch will be very different from life in Ocean Beach.
The good thing is that San Diegans tend to be active and friendly. As a result, getting out and making new connections is easier here than in other parts of the country. Join a weekly trivia at your local brewery, try out a volleyball league or take the kids to free museum Tuesdays in Balboa Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you thinking about making the plunge? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions before moving to San Diego.
Yes, San Diego is a great place to live. Though the cost of living is high, people here pay a premium for a reason. The city’s cultural diversity, outdoor activities and unique attractions make it a dynamic place to call home. And that’s on top of San Diego’s beaches, moderate climate and robust job market.
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a family with two working adults and two children needs to make $144,744 before taxes to meet basic needs in San Diego County. A couple with no children needs $79,684.
Yes, San Diego is an expensive place to live. Payscale reports that the cost of living here is 44% above the national average. High housing costs are a huge contributor.
In general, San Diego is slightly cheaper to live in than Los Angeles. Home values are similar to Los Angeles. Necessities like gas are usually less expensive in San Diego.
Kayla Solsbak is a skilled writer and researcher with diverse experiences in journalism, museums and nonprofits. She recently completed an M.A. in history from San Diego State University, earning awards for her original research. Kayla lives in Richmond, Virginia, a place she fell in love with while completing her B.A. in journalism from the University of Richmond.
