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San Diego questions · updated October 2026

How much do you need to live comfortably in San Diego?

MIT's living wage estimate for San Diego County is $68,389 a year before taxes for one adult with no kids ($32.88 an hour), and $156,476 for two working parents with two kids.[1] That's a bare-bones budget, not a comfortable one. Comfortable means more than that, especially if you want to buy: the median home in the San Diego neighborhoods I track sold for $885K.[2]

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The living wage, by household

Required income before taxes in San Diego County, from MIT's calculator (updated February 15, 2026).[1]

HouseholdIncome needed per year
1 adult, no kids$68,389
1 adult, 1 child$117,990
2 working adults, no kids$86,204
2 working adults, 2 kids$156,476

Rent

HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rents for the San Diego area are $2,192 for a studio, $2,335 for a 1-bedroom, $2,823 for a 2-bedroom and $3,743 for a 3-bedroom.[3] HUD considers a household that pays more than 30% of its income on housing cost-burdened.[4] By that rule, a $2,335 1-bedroom takes about $93,400 a year in income.

Income and prices

San Diego County's median household income is $106,268, and the median gross rent is $2,246 (Census, 2020-2024).[5] Prices in the San Diego area rose 4.7% in the 12 months to September 2026.[6] The City of San Diego's minimum wage is $17.75 an hour in 2026.[7]

Thinking about buying? Here's what it takes to buy, neighborhood by neighborhood.

Related questions

Is San Diego worth the cost of living?

That's personal. The numbers: it costs more than Los Angeles on most measures, but San Diego's median household income is also higher ($106,268 vs $90,112).

Can I afford to live in San Diego on $60,000 a year?

It's tight. $60,000 is below MIT's $68,389 living wage for a single adult with no kids. At the 30% rule, $60,000 covers about $1,500 a month in rent, below HUD's $2,335 Fair Market Rent for a 1-bedroom.

Can I afford $2,000 rent making $60,000 a year?

$2,000 a month is 40% of a $60,000 income. HUD calls anything over 30% cost-burdened. It can work with roommates or low other expenses, but it leaves little room to save.

Is San Diego more expensive than Los Angeles?

On most measures, yes. See the side-by-side: josiahgarciarealtor.com/answers/san-diego-vs-los-angeles-cost-of-living/

How much is rent in San Diego?

HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent is $2,335 for a 1-bedroom and $2,823 for a 2-bedroom. The Census median gross rent across all units is $2,246.

Related answers, guides and reports

San Diego relocation guide PCS guide: BAH vs rent Neighborhood market reportsWhat's my home worth?San Diego vs Los Angeles: which costs more to live in?Is it better to buy or rent in San Diego?Is buying a condo in San Diego a good idea?Is Serra Mesa a good place to live, and is it safe?

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Text me at (559) 977-2596. I answer every one myself, no pressure and no sales pitch.

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Sources

  1. MIT Living Wage Calculator: San Diego County
  2. Redfin closed sales and active listings, last 90 days
  3. HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2027
  4. HUD User: Defining housing affordability
  5. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 (via Census Reporter)
  6. BLS: Consumer Price Index, San Diego area
  7. City of San Diego minimum wage

Payment math is an estimate, not a loan offer. Talk to a lender for your actual numbers. Josiah Garcia | Real Broker | DRE #02128093.