Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Diego, CA
Thinking of moving to San Diego, CA? With a vibrant population of 1.38 million, San Diego offers sunny weather year-round (73% sunny days), top-notch universities, and beautiful coastal living. The median home price is $925,000, with average 2-bedroom rents around $2,850, reflecting the city's high cost of living. Commutes average about 25 minutes, and crime rates are moderate for a city this size. San Diego stands out for its diverse community, excellent educational options, and famously mild climate—making it a favorite for movers seeking a dynamic, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Demographics - San Diego, CA
Demographics - San Diego, CA
San Diego is home to approximately 1.38 million residents, with a median age of 35 and a nearly even gender balance. The city boasts a rich ethnic mix, with significant White, Asian, and Hispanic populations, and over one-third of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its urban density and multicultural atmosphere make it a lively and welcoming destination for newcomers.
Population:
1,381,611
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
42.3%
Black:
6.5%
Asian:
17.2%
Others:
34.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Diego, CA?
Living in San Diego comes with a high cost, as reflected by a median home value of $925,000 and average monthly rents around $2,650. The cost of living index is notably above the national average, driven primarily by housing expenses, while everyday costs like groceries and utilities are also higher than average. Prospective residents should budget accordingly for both housing and daily necessities.
Median House Value:
$925,000
Gross Rent:
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
160.1
Grocery:
112.8
Housing:
240.4
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
135.8
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
107.4
Crime
Is San Diego, CA a safe place to live?
San Diego experiences moderate crime levels for a large city, with a violent crime rate of 369 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,183 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 271 chance of being involved in a violent crime, but overall, it is considered relatively safe compared to other major metros. Neighborhood safety varies, so it's wise to research specific areas before moving.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
369
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,183
Crime Index:
2,552
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 271
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in San Diego, CA year-round?
San Diego is renowned for its mild, pleasant climate, featuring average winter highs in the mid-60s and summer highs in the upper 70s. The city enjoys about 73% sunny days annually and receives just over 10 inches of rain per year. This reliably warm, sunny weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle nearly year-round.
Winter
Min:
49°F
Max:
66°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
San Diego neighborhoods offer a diverse community with a household median income of $93,043 and a poverty rate of 12.6%. Most residents are well-educated, with nearly 47% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and average commute times are around 25 minutes. The area is known for its multicultural environment and strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$45,900
Household Income:
$93,043
Family Income:
$110,000
Per Capita Income:
$46,550
Income Male:
$57,200
Income Female:
$47,800
Poverty Rate:
12.6%
Non English Speakers:
38.1%
Rent:
$2,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.3%
Commute Time:
25.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
46.8%
Education
How are the schools in San Diego, CA?
San Diego offers a robust mix of public and private schools, with reputable institutions like La Jolla High and Francis Parker School serving local families. The city is also home to major universities such as UC San Diego and San Diego State, attracting students from across the country. Educational attainment is high, supporting a well-educated and vibrant community.
Public Schools
Name:
La Jolla High School
Street:
750 Nautilus St
Phone:
858-634-8000
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.2
Name:
Cubberley Elementary School
Street:
3201 Marathon Dr
Phone:
858-496-8075
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Private Schools
Name:
Francis Parker School
Street:
6501 Linda Vista Rd
Phone:
858-569-7900
Students:
1,300
Colleges
Name:
University of California, San Diego
City:
La Jolla
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
42,000
Name:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
San Diego provides excellent healthcare access, anchored by major hospitals like UC San Diego Health and Scripps Mercy, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city has a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.0 per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance. Healthcare quality is considered strong, making it an attractive choice for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UC San Diego Health – Hillcrest
Address:
200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone:
(858) 657-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Scripps Mercy Hospital
Address:
4077 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone:
(619) 294-8111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Diego, CA?
San Diego's housing market is competitive and fast-moving, with a median home price of $925,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,850. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and just under half of residents own their homes. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates reflect ongoing demand for housing in this desirable coastal region.
Median Home Price:
$925,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services in San Diego are managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Normal Street. Residents can access all standard driver and vehicle services at this location, with additional information and online services available through the official DMV website. Planning ahead for appointments is recommended due to high demand.
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.