Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pacific Beach, CA
Thinking of moving to Pacific Beach, CA? With a vibrant population of around 41,000, this coastal neighborhood offers stunning weather with 73% sunny days and mild temperatures year-round. Median home values reach $1,150,000, while average rents are about $2,950, reflecting a high cost of living. Residents enjoy quick 25-minute commutes, strong educational attainment (over half hold a bachelor’s), and access to lively beaches, good schools, and excellent healthcare. Crime rates are moderate for the area, making Pacific Beach a lively yet comfortable spot for beach lovers and urbanites alike.
Demographics - Pacific Beach, CA
Demographics - Pacific Beach, CA
Pacific Beach is home to about 41,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 33.6 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The area is predominantly White (76%), but also features a mix of other ethnicities and a notable 15% of residents who speak languages other than English. Its high population density creates a lively, energetic atmosphere popular with young professionals and families.
Population:
41,000
Density:
11,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.6
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
6.8%
Others:
14.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pacific Beach, CA?
Living in Pacific Beach comes with a high cost, as the median home value stands at $1,150,000 and average rents are close to $2,950. Everyday expenses, such as groceries and utilities, are also above the national average, reflected in a cost of living index of 178.5. Residents should budget for higher housing costs and state taxes, but enjoy access to desirable coastal amenities.
Median House Value:
$1,150,000
Gross Rent:
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.5
Grocery:
118.0
Housing:
293.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
132.0
Health Care:
110.4
Miscellaneous:
107.0
Crime
Is Pacific Beach, CA a safe place to live?
Pacific Beach experiences moderate crime rates compared to the wider San Diego area, with a 1 in 320 chance of violent crime and 1 in 43 chance of property crime annually. While generally safe for residents, it's wise to stay alert, especially regarding property theft. The neighborhood remains attractive for its active beach lifestyle and community feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
312
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,340
Crime Index:
2,652
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 320
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Pacific Beach, CA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild coastal climate with winter lows around 49°F and summer highs peaking at 76°F. The area boasts 73% sunny days each year and receives roughly 9.5 inches of rain, making outdoor activities possible almost year-round. The pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a relaxed, beachside lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
49°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Pacific Beach offers an affluent community atmosphere, with a household median income of $92,000 and a relatively low poverty rate of 10.2%. Most residents are highly educated, with over 54% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are just under 25 minutes. The area is popular among young professionals and families seeking a vibrant, walkable environment.
Median Income:
$46,500
Household Income:
$92,000
Family Income:
$110,000
Per Capita Income:
$54,800
Income Male:
$58,500
Income Female:
$48,100
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
15.2%
Rent:
$2,950
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
6.1%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.6%
Bachelors or More:
54.3%
Education
How are the schools in Pacific Beach, CA?
Families in Pacific Beach have access to quality education, with public schools like Pacific Beach Middle and Elementary offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private schools and proximity to major universities such as the University of San Diego and San Diego State University provide diverse learning opportunities. The area is known for its well-educated population and strong educational support.
Public Schools
Name:
Pacific Beach Middle School
Street:
4676 Ingraham St
Phone:
858-273-9070
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.1
Name:
Pacific Beach Elementary School
Street:
1234 Tourmaline St
Phone:
858-488-8316
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Paul's Lutheran School
Street:
1376 Felspar St
Phone:
858-273-9947
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
University of San Diego
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
8,400
Name:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
The community benefits from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Scripps Memorial and Sharp Memorial nearby. With 3.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, residents have ample medical resources. High healthcare standards contribute to a strong sense of well-being in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Address:
9888 Genesee Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone:
(858) 626-4123
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Address:
7901 Frost St, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone:
(858) 939-3400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
76.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pacific Beach, CA?
Pacific Beach’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1,150,000 and strong annual appreciation of 5.2%. Rental demand is high, reflected in a low vacancy rate of 4.5% and average two-bedroom rents at $2,950. The market favors renters and investors, with limited owner-occupied housing.
Median Home Price:
$1,150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Pacific Beach residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 3960 Normal St in San Diego. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle and licensing services both in-person and online. For support, residents can visit the official website or call the statewide hotline for assistance.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.