Do you dream of living in coastal luxury without sacrificing the perks of city life, in a place that’s both laid-back and full of energy? Then you should consider moving to San Diego.
San Diego is known as America’s Finest City — and for good reason. With year-round sunshine, miles of stunning coastline, and countless restaurants, bars, and attractions, SD offers a unique blend of beach town vibes and urban convenience that’s hard to beat.
But as dreamy as it sounds, living in San Diego is not the same as vacationing there, and there are a few things you should know before planning your move.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from the cost of living to the job market to all the fun things to do in San Diego. Whether you're single, settling down, or retired and simply chasing the sun, this guide will give you a clearer picture of what life in San Diego is really like and help you prepare for a smoother transition.
16 Things To Know About Living in San Diego Before Moving to San Diego
We’re exploring the reality of San Diego living—the upsides and the potential downsides—starting with some much-needed historical context.
1. San Diego’s history is integral to the city’s culture and architecture
San Diego’s history is evident everywhere in its parks, architecture, and local culture—something newcomers will quickly come to appreciate.
Before Spanish explorers arrived in 1542, the Kumeyaay people called the San Diego region home and nurtured it for thousands of years. Their influence is becoming more visible through land acknowledgments and protected cultural sites—a reminder to residents and tourists alike that modern San Diego is built on ancestral land.
In 1769, San Diego became California’s first Spanish settlement, then in 1822—after the Mexican War of Independence—the region became part of Mexico until the U.S. claimed it in 1846. These Spanish and Mexican periods heavily influenced San Diego’s architecture and layout. Neighborhoods like Old Town preserve adobe buildings and public plazas, while Balboa Park remains a cultural and recreational anchor, shaped by Spanish Colonial Revival design.
San Diego has also long played a strategic role in U.S. defence. The presence of multiple Navy and Marine bases impacts everything from job markets to housing demand and traffic patterns in the city.
2. San Diego’s weather is nearly perfect
San Diego is beloved by many for its climate. In fact, San Diego weather is described as “the closest thing to perfect in America” on the City of San Diego website — and they’re not just saying that out of bias. Think: warm, dry summers (around 75°F) and cool, wet winters that never dip to freezing temps.
If you’re living in San Diego, you won’t face icy winters or high humidity, but you should know about Santa Ana winds, which bring hot, dry conditions and raise the wildfire risk, especially in the fall. The area, like most of Cali, is also susceptible to earthquakes — so if you’re planning on moving to California, particularly to San Diego, don’t neglect emergency preparedness measures.
Overall, despite some natural disaster risk, San Diego offers warm and sunny year-round weather with few extremes. You won’t find many people complaining about that!
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3. San Diego’s real magic is in the outdoors
The best way to enjoy all that gorgeous weather? Enjoy as much time as you can in the San Diego outdoors!
As a coastal town, San Diego offers all the ocean activities you could expect. A few highlights: La Jolla Shores is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkeling, or watching sea lions while strolling the La Jolla Beach Trail.
Nearby, La Jolla Cove features tide pools, steep sandstone cliffs, and clear water filled with marine life. Mission Bay offers miles of sandy beaches, calm water channels ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, or biking along the shoreline.
Beyond the water, don’t forget about the trails. San Diego boasts tons of beautiful hikes and walking paths — perfect for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Inland, Mission Trails Regional Park sprawls across over 8,000 acres and includes Cowles Mountain, the highest point in the city. Other notable hikes include the Guy Fleming Trail, Iron Mountain, and Sunset Trail.
4. The San Diego food scene is top-notch
San Diego’s food scene is bursting with flavor and variety thanks to its cultural diversity and access to fresh local ingredients. Here are some of the best restaurants in town:
For affordable, casual eats, try Shan’xi Magic Kitchen (Chinese), Tanner’s Prime Burgers, or Wayfarer Bread & Pastry (do not skip out on pizza night!). Of course, there’s going to be incredible tacos too —carve out some time to try Aqui Es Texcoco and Fish Guts (don’t worry, that’s just the name of the joint).
Want a fun place for a date night? Check out Sushi Ichifuji for their divine (and seasonally changing) sushi menu, or Wolf in the Woods, a tapas-style spot that won restaurant of the year in San Diego in 2024. Most Italian restaurants in Little Italy — like Bencotto or Ciccia — won’t be a miss either.
For the ultimate elevated experience, consider planning a celebratory dinner at Addison — the only three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the region — or Yakitori Tsuta — one of the newest and most exclusive spots in town.
5. San Diego’s craft beer is arguably the best in the country
San Diego is also heralded as America’s “craft beer capital,” with over 100 microbreweries countywide. Iconic stops along 30th Street — places like Blind Lady Ale House, Modern Times, Thorn Street Brewery, and Belching Beaver — are national beer icons.
Not a beer fan? No worries! For cocktails, Polite Provisions in North Park is praised for its craft drinks and Midtown vibes, and Kettner Exchange in Little Italy is a fan favorite rooftop bar for having a drink while watching the sunset. Want something even more romantic? Try Raised by Wolves, a swanky speakeasy with stunning 1920s interiors.
6. San Diego’s nightlife is thriving — from downtown to the beach
San Diego’s nightlife really comes alive in the city’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find myriad bars, clubs, and restaurants packed into its Victorian-era streets. For a night out, dance at Nova or Sidebar — or enjoy a touch of “Vegas glamour” and live music from the hottest DJs in the industry (think: Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, and more) at Oxford Social Club.
For a more laid-back nightlife scene, Pacific Beach hosts casual beachfront bars with live music — places like PB Shore Club, Moonshine Beach, and The Grass Skirt (the food isn’t bad either).
Long story short: If you’re looking for a fun spot to dance and drink a round or two, you’ll have more than enough options in San Diego.
7. There are tons of fun things to do in San Diego — whether you’re single, dating, or raising a family
If you’re not into eating out and the bar scene isn’t your thing, have no fear: San Diego is filled with fun things to do and attractions to see all through the year.
Fun things to do in San Diego with kids
Go to the San Diego Zoo.
Take advantage of the interactive exhibits at the USS Midway Aircraft Museum.
Walk around and spot marine life at the Cabrillo Tidepools during low tide.
Fun things to do in San Diego for adults
Catch a Padres game at Petco Park.
Enjoy beachfront thrills at Belmont Park Amusement Park.
Shop, wine and dine at Seaport Village.
Free things to do in San Diego for couples
Explore the historic Chicano murals at Chicano Park.
Watch the sun set over the sea at Sunset Cliffs National Park.
Stroll around and have a picnic in Balboa Park.
8. San Diego is a fantastic home base for day trips and weekenders
Want to venture further out? When you’re living in San Diego, you’re not only based in a beautiful, dynamic city — you’re also a day’s drive away (or less) from countless other vacation destinations.
An hour up the coast from San Diego, you can enjoy a lowkey, relaxed day at Laguna Beach, or head further north for a lovely surf and mountain weekend in Santa Barbara. About three hours inland, you’ll find Joshua Tree National Park, a perfect spot for outdoor adventuring. If you’re seeking more of a party vibe, San Diego is also close to both L.A. (3 hours 7 minutes according to Google Maps) and Las Vegas (6 hours 19 minutes).
Plus, don’t forget that San Diego is just a 30-minute drive from the Mexican border, where you can explore the colorful markets in Tijuana or venture further south to Valle de Guadalupe wine country.
9. The cost of living in San Diego is higher than the national average but lower than other California hubs
Unfortunately, the San Diego lifestyle does come at a price — literally. America’s Finest City was recently ranked the ninth most expensive city in the country.
Due to inflation, housing costs, and high income and sales tax, the cost of living in San Diego has jumped significantly in recent years — sitting at 46% higher than the national average.
While that’s probably not what you want to hear as a potential new San Diego resident, keep in mind that whether or not you get sticker shock moving to San Diego will largely depend on where you’re coming from.
If you’re moving out of state to San Diego — say, from Phoenix — the cost of living in San Diego will take some getting used to. For example, if you were making $100,000 in Phoenix, to maintain the same standard of living, you would need to make about $140,000 in San Diego.
The good news? The cost of living in San Diego is 3% lower compared to the state of California. This means that if you’re coming from a larger California hub, you could actually save money moving to San Diego. If, for instance, you made $150,000 in San Francisco, you would only need a household income of around $125,000 in San Diego.
Is it cheaper to live in LA or San Diego?
Generally speaking, it’s cheaper to live in L.A. than in San Diego — although this will really depend on the neighborhood you choose and other lifestyle factors. Based on a recent study evaluating the cost of living in different U.S. cities, the salary needed to live comfortably in San Diego is $122,803 for an individual, and $289,453 for two working adults with two kids. In LA, on the other hand, the salary needed for a single adult is $110,781 and $276,557 for a family of four.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Diego? The salary you need to live comfortably in San Diego will depend on your specific situation. Based on recent calculations from February 2025, the “living wage” for a single adult in San Diego would need to be $30.71 per hour (approx. $64,000 a year), whereas the living wage for a single parent of three children would be closer to $86.76 per hour (approx. $180,000 a year). To truly live comfortably is another matter. If you implement the 50/30/20 budget rule — where 50% of your salary goes to needs (like rent and groceries), 30% goes toward dining or entertainment, and 20% goes to savings or paying off debt — the salary needed to live comfortably in San Diego $122,803 for an individual, or $289,453 for two working adults with two kids, per a 2024 study. |
10. The San Diego housing market is cooling
While the cost of living in San Diego is high, recent June 2025 data shows home prices have shot down 4.7% since this time last year, which is great for buyers!
Keep in mind, though, that as of mid‑2025, San Diego’s median home price still hovers around $1 million — a far cry from the national average of $423,000. But of course, home prices can vary widely by neighborhood. Premium beachfront properties, for instance, often exceed $1 million, while more modest starter homes inland would list closer to $700,000.
If you’re moving to San Diego soon, there’s more good news: per Zillow's home sales forecast, the San Diego housing market is projected to continue to favor homebuyers, as more listings go up and home prices trend down.
11. The San Diego rental market is heating up
While the housing market cools, the rental market in San Diego is heating up, mainly due to tight inventory across the region.
San Diego’s average rent is around $3,000/month for a one-bedroom apartment and around $3,300 to $3,900 for a two-bed, depending on the area and amenities.
In pricier neighborhoods like Carmel Valley, Rolando, and Harborview, average rents hit the upper $3,600–$3,900/month range. Meanwhile, Ocean Beach and Colina del Sol offer some of the lowest rents in the city at about $1,918 and $1,677/month, respectively.
12. San Diego has a perfect neighborhood for everyone
Deciding where to live in San Diego may be your toughest decision during your move, considering there are so many fantastic neighborhoods to choose from. You’ll find modern condos downtown, surf-style beach cottages in Ocean Beach, and mid-century gems in neighborhoods like Clairemont, to name a few. Let’s take a deeper dive into three of the best places to live in San Diego.
Carmel Valley: Best San Diego neighborhood for families
Carmel Valley is a top choice for families seeking excellent schools, safety, and suburban comfort. The area is home to several top-ranked schools, including Canyon Crest Academy, and tons of beautiful playgrounds and parks like Solana Highlands. Plus, the homes in Carmel are spacious, the streets are clean, and there’s a strong sense of community.
While home prices are high, with a median home price sitting around $1.9M, the amenities, walkability, and access to nature make it worth the investment for many families.
East Village: Best San Diego neighborhood for young adults
East Village is perfect for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the city. With rooftop bars, sporting events and concerts at Petco Park, hidden speakeasies (check out Noble Experiment), and lots of trendy eateries, there’s always something happening.
Median home prices hover around $615K, which makes it a relatively accessible urban neighborhood compared to other spots in the city.
Rancho Bernardo: Safest San Diego neighborhood
Rancho Bernardo ranks as one of San Diego’s safest neighborhoods, with crime rates 56% below the national average. It's quiet, family-friendly, and loaded with parks, trails, and highly rated schools. Median home prices are around $918K — cheaper than Carmel Valley — making it a smart choice for those wanting safety and suburban life without breaking the bank.
Need help planning your San Diego move? Check out our ultimate moving checklist! |
13. San Diego is one of the safest big cities in the country
San Diego consistently ranks among the safest major U.S. cities, with total crime rates about 12% below the national average and roughly 20% below the California state average. Based on 2024 data, crime rates in San Diego have dipped for the third year in a row.
As in most places, crime tends to concentrate in specific areas, though, so you’ll want to take that into consideration when deciding where to spend your time in San Diego.
3 Safest Neighborhoods in San Diego
3 Neighborhoods in San Diego with Higher Crime Rates
14. San Diego is a car-centric city
San Diego is a big city, keep in mind that it’s definitely car-centric. Unless you intend to live and spend most of your time in the heart of downtown, chances are you’ll want to have a car if you’re moving to San Diego.
That said, San Diego does have public transportation, which includes the San Diego Trolley, bus system, Coaster commuter train, and North County Sprinter Rail as decent car alternatives.
Plus, in more exciting news, the San Diego City Council just unanimously passed a “Mobility Master Plan” to support new transportation projects, including bike lanes, neighborhood shuttles, and sidewalk expansions.
15. The San Diego job market is a mixed bag
San Diego’s job market is anchored by several major industries, including defense, biotech, tourism, education, health care, and technology. A few major employers in the area include the U.S. Navy, UC San Diego, Scripps Health, Sharp Healthcare, and Qualcomm.
Unemployment in San Diego County sat at 4% in May 2025, but it does seem to be improving, thanks mostly to major growth in the tourism industry. San Diego's tech sectors saw some stark declines in the tech sectors from 2019 to 2024, but they appear to have rebounded with new job opportunities in software, biotech, and AI. While there’s a lot of opportunity, bear in mind that these industries are extremely competitive, and due to San Diego’s desirability, it can be tough to find a job quickly in the city.
So, what about the pay? According to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage in the San Diego metro area is about $37.85/hour (or roughly $78,800/year), exceeding the national average of $32.66/hour. That means that compared to other cities, San Diegans earn more per hour on average — but the high cost of living, particularly housing, often offsets those wage gains.
Is $85,000 a good salary in San Diego? Based on 2025 calculations, $85,000 is a livable wage in San Diego if you don’t have children, but even then, it may not be the most comfortable lifestyle, depending on where and how you choose to live in the city. To live comfortably in San Diego, you’ll realistically want to make six figures. |
16. The local culture in San Diego is warm and laid-back
Wondering what day-to-day life is like in San Diego, beyond the tourist hotspots?
Well, San Diego was recently named the friendliest city in the U.S., according to locals, and one of the healthiest cities in the country — both great signs, we’d say. San Diego is also full of community-focused neighborhoods, beautiful outdoor spaces, and local activities and events, like farmers’ markets, festivals, and free live music, to keep you busy year-round.
If you’re moving to San Diego, expect a relaxed and engaged community-driven rhythm, supportive of work, wellness, and creative living.
Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego
While it’s hard to find fault with America’s Finest City, SD may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Let’s do a quick review of the main pros and cons of living in San Diego to consider:
Pros of Living in San Diego
The weather in San Diego is beautiful year-round.
An active outdoor lifestyle—with beaches, water sports, and hiking trails—is extremely accessible.
The food, bar, and nightlife scene across San Diego is thriving.
There’s always something to do in San Diego.
If you’re living in San Diego, you can easily escape on a fun day or weekend trip.
San Diego is one of the safest big cities in the U.S.
The job market is relatively strong.
The culture in San Diego is active and welcoming.
Cons of Living in San Diego
The cost of living in San Diego — particularly taxes and housing — is extremely high.
To get around easily in San Diego, you’ll need a car.
San Diego is in earthquake country and does have wildfire risk.
The bottom line: Is San Diego a good place to live in? Yes. Barring a few downsides, most people would agree that San Diego is a great place to live: It’s vibrant, it’s warm, it’s welcoming and it’s sunny most of the time. What’s not to love?
Ready to Get Moving to San Diego?
If you like the thought of city living paired with idyllic weather and beautiful beaches — and the cost of living doesn’t faze you — then moving to San Diego should definitely be on the top of your to-do list.
When you’re ready to take the leap, let Colonial Van Lines support you during your move. With over 50 years of experience in long-distance moving services, our team of highly trained movers has the expertise required to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new San Diego home. Get a free quote!