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 1,381,611 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $925,000 and average rents near $2,850. 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 (73% 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 1,381,611 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 42% White, 7% Black, and 17% Asian residents, and over 38% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in San Diego is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 160.1. Median home values are around $925,000 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
$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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 369 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 46. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 49°F. The area receives about 10 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 73% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
49°F
Max
66°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
56°F
Max
71°F

Fall

Min
59°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
10.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
73%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $93,043 and a low poverty rate of 12.6%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 47% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like La Jolla High School and Cubberley Elementary 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 and San Diego State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UC San Diego Health – Hillcrest and Scripps Mercy Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.0 per 1,000 people and 89.5% 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
(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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $925,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 7.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.2%. San Diego offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

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
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103
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 1,381,611, median home value $925,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,850, commute time 25.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 73%.

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