CaliforniaPop. 1,389,526Large cities
Is San Diego a Good Place to Live? San Diego, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Diego ranks #567 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #8 of 37 large cities and #58 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (90.6%, #2 of 30) and low violent crime (374 per 100,000, #3 of 36), and trails on high rents ($2,313/mo, #35 of 37) and high living costs (111.9, #34 of 37).
San Diego by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Diego's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in San Diego?
San Diego's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,313/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $985,158, 29% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Diego | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $985,158#1114 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,036/mo#1040 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $906,700#1233 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $2,313/mo#1210 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 8.4x#1232 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 25.7%#1065 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
San Diego housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. San Diego is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Diego safe?
San Diego recorded 374 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 13% below California's 433. That ranks #685 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Diego Police Department. Property crime runs 1,554 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | San Diego | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 374#685 of 1,085 | 433 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 1,554#503 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in San Diego?
The median household in San Diego earns $108,077, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | San Diego | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $108,077#259 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 11%#571 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in San Diego?
The median resident of San Diego is 36.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 51% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #247 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Diego | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 36.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 51%#247 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 47.3% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are San Diego's schools and health?
San Diego's 263 public schools graduate 90.6% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23 students per teacher and $18,811 spent per pupil. 24.2% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | San Diego | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 90.6%#346 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 23#1080 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $18,811#278 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 24.2%#107 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 16.5%#522 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.5%#449 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 158,688 students are enrolled in San Diego's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Diego?
The average commute in San Diego is 23.5 minutes (California 29.7); 2.7% of workers take transit and 21.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Diego scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 58.4°F, with 9.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Diego | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 23.5 min#639 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 62.6% | 67.3% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.7% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 3.4% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 21.2% | 14.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.5#410 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 66.4 | 50.3 | 2 |
| Feb | 66.2 | 51.8 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 67 | 54.5 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 68.8 | 57.1 | 0.7 |
| May | 69.5 | 60 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 71.7 | 62.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 75.3 | 66.1 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 77.3 | 67.5 | 0 |
| Sep | 77.2 | 66.2 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.6 | 61.5 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 70.7 | 54.8 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66 | 49.8 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Diego International Airport.
| Measure | San Diego | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 64.7°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 70.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 58.4°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 9.8 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Diego International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Diego?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | San Diego | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.24%#1033 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does San Diego compare with similar-size cities?
San Diego is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #8 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 1,389,526.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CAPop. 1,389,526 | #567 | 57.0 | $108,077 | $2,313/mo | 374 | 23.5 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | #958 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 | 25.7 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does San Diego compare with the rest of California?
San Diego ranks #58 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 8% above the California median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | … #54 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #55 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 |
| Tracy, CAPop. 96,966 | #56 | 57.1 | $121,119 | $2,478/mo | 194 |
| Woodland, CAPop. 61,854 | #57 | 57.1 | $90,180 | $1,583/mo | 181 |
| San Diego, CAPop. 1,389,526 | #58 | 57.0 | $108,077 | $2,313/mo | 374 |
| Clovis, CAPop. 124,725 | #59 | 57.0 | $99,241 | $1,792/mo | 261 |
| Chino Hills, CAPop. 77,927 | #60 | 57.0 | $126,334 | $2,894/mo | 73 |
| West Sacramento, CAPop. 54,927 | #61 | 57.0 | $93,188 | $1,665/mo | 327 |
| Vacaville, CAPop. 102,596 | #62 | 56.9 | $111,126 | $2,299/mo | 264 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Diego among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is San Diego's score calculated?
San Diego scores 57 out of 100, #567 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in San Diego. Similar-size median 50.4.
64.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Diego's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
71.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Diego. Similar-size median 52.4.
73.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Diego's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
54.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Diego's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
24.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Diego. Similar-size median 43.4.
67.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Diego. Similar-size median 40.4.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Diego. Similar-size median 56.6.
63.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Diego's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Diego's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories San Diego has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in San Diego
Is San Diego, CA a good place to live?
San Diego ranks #567 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #8 of 37 large cities and #58 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (90.6%, #2 of 30) and low violent crime (374 per 100,000, #3 of 36), and trails on high rents ($2,313/mo, #35 of 37) and high living costs (111.9, #34 of 37).
What is the cost of living in San Diego?
San Diego's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,313/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $985,158, 29% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Diego?
San Diego recorded 374 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 13% below California's 433. That ranks #685 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Diego Police Department. Property crime runs 1,554 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in San Diego?
The median household in San Diego earns $108,077, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in San Diego?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,313/mo (Census), #1210 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,036/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Diego?
The typical home value in San Diego is $985,158, down 0.4% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $906,700.
How are the public schools in San Diego?
San Diego's 263 public schools graduate 90.6% of students in four years (California 87%), with 23 students per teacher and $18,811 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Diego?
The average commute is 23.5 minutes, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Diego?
San Diego averages 64.7°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 58.4°F in winter, with 9.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Diego walkable?
San Diego scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is San Diego at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Diego?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Diego?
San Diego has 1,389,526 residents. The median resident of San Diego is 36.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 51% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #247 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Diego compare with the rest of California?
San Diego ranks #58 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 57 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 8% above the California median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 29% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Diego?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Diego's population of 1,389,526 are Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), Philadelphia, PA (#1102 overall), Dallas, TX (#958 overall), Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), and Columbus, OH (#726 overall). San Diego is #567.