California / County

Moving to San Diego, CA

Thinking of making a move to San Diego, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Diego, CA

Considering a move to San Diego, CA? This welcoming community of 1,388,320 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $985,000 and average rents near $2,650. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (70% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore San Diego's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - San Diego, CA

San Diego has a population of 1,388,320 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 41% White, 6% Black, and 18% Asian residents, and over 34% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,388,320
Density
4,300 per sq mi
Median Age
35.1
Gender Ratio
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
33.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
41.4%
Black
6.2%
Asian
17.7%
Others
34.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in San Diego, CA?

The cost of living in San Diego is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 158.4. Median home values are around $985,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,650. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$985,000
Gross Rent
$2,650
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,180
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
158.4
Grocery
112.6
Housing
246.8
Utilities
107.9
Transportation
128.4
Health Care
111.2
Miscellaneous
118.7

Crime

Is San Diego, CA a safe place to live?

San Diego is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
420
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,120
Crime Index
2,540
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 47

Weather

What is the weather like in San Diego, CA year-round?

San Diego experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 50°F. The area receives about 10 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 70% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
50°F
Max
67°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
57°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
58°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
10.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
70%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $93,900 and a low poverty rate of 13.4%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 48% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$48,800
Household Income
$93,900
Family Income
$112,600
Per Capita Income
$44,300
Income Male
$56,500
Income Female
$49,200
Poverty Rate
13.4%
Non English Speakers
37.1%
Rent
$2,650
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.9%
Bachelors or More
47.6%

Education

How are the schools in San Diego, CA?

San Diego offers quality education options, with public schools like San Diego High School and Muirlands Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, San Diego, San Diego State University, and University of San Diego. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
San Diego High School
Street
1405 Park Blvd
Phone
619-388-4501
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
22.1
Name
Muirlands Middle School
Street
1055 Avendia de las Naciones
Phone
858-988-2000
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
24.0

Private Schools

Name
Francis Parker School
Street
6501 Linda Vista Rd
Phone
858-569-7900
Students
1,340
Name
Cathedral Catholic High School
Street
5555 Del Mar Heights Rd
Phone
858-523-4000
Students
1,560

Colleges

Name
University of California, San Diego
City
San Diego
State
CA
Distance
11 miles
Students
42,000
Name
San Diego State University
City
San Diego
State
CA
Distance
8 miles
Students
37,000
Name
University of San Diego
City
San Diego
State
CA
Distance
6 miles
Students
8,000

Healthcare

San Diego residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UC San Diego Health – Hillcrest, Sharp Memorial Hospital, and Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UC San Diego Health – Hillcrest
Address
200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone
(619) 543-6222
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
Name
Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego
Address
4077 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone
(619) 294-8111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
81.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in San Diego, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $985,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. San Diego offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$985,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,650
Owner Occupied Rate
46.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of San Diego handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in San Diego. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to San Diego, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to San Diego, review the core fields on this page: population 1,388,320, median home value $985,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,650, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 70%.

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